Italy grants honorary citizenship to Kurdish activist Warisha Moradi

The "Free Warisha Moradi" campaign reported on Instagram on Monday, May 26, that this decision reflects growing support for Warisha's cause, who is considered one of the leading activists in the field of women's rights, according to the Women's News Agency (NUJINHA).

For her part, the mayor of Poggibonsi, Susanna Ceni, confirmed on her account on X platform that the city council unanimously voted to grant Warisha Moradi honorary citizenship. She described her as “a sports coach, feminist activist, and Kurdish political prisoner who defends women affected by the war waged by ISIS in Syria.”

She added: “Warisha was arrested in August 2023, tortured in Evin Prison, and faces the risk of execution,” noting that the municipality is currently working on delivering news of the honor to her and is closely monitoring her situation.

Who is Warisha Moradi?

Warisha Moradi is a Kurdish political prisoner who suffers from serious health conditions, including a cervical disc herniation and spinal canal stenosis. Despite her state, she is still deprived of necessary medical care.

She was arrested at the entrance of the city of Sanna in East Kurdistan on August 1, 2023, and was transferred after 13 days to Ward 209 of Evin Prison in Tehran, where she was subjected to harsh interrogations, psychological pressure, and torture to extract confessions. After five months of solitary confinement, she was moved to the women’s ward.

Her first court sessions were held on June 16 and October 5, 2024, at Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. Her lawyers were notified of the death sentence issued on November 10, 2024.

Warisha Moradi's lawyers have appealed the verdict, and the case has been referred to the ninth branch of the Iranian Supreme Court, where it remains under review.

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ANHA