Italy Grants Honorary Citizenship to Kurdish Activist Warisha Moradi

Key Takeaways

• Poggibonsi granted honorary citizenship to imprisoned Kurdish activist Warisha Moradi on May 26, 2025.
• Moradi was sentenced to death in Iran on November 10, 2024, after a flawed trial.
• Honorary citizenship is symbolic and raises international awareness but offers no legal protection or asylum.

On May 26, 2025, the city council of Poggibonsi in Italy 🇮🇹 made a unanimous decision that has drawn international attention: they granted honorary citizenship to Warisha Moradi, a Kurdish activist currently imprisoned in Iran and facing a death sentence. This move, while symbolic, is a powerful act of solidarity and a call for global awareness about Moradi’s case and the broader human rights situation for Kurdish activists and women in Iran. The story of Warisha Moradi, her struggle, and the response from Italy 🇮🇹 and the international community, highlights the intersection of immigration, human rights, and international diplomacy.

Who Is Warisha Moradi and Why Is Her Case Important?

Warisha Moradi is a 39-year-old Kurdish woman, sports coach, and activist. She is a member of the East Kurdistan Free Women Society, a group that supports women’s rights and Kurdish identity. Moradi’s activism has focused on defending women affected by war and violence, especially those impacted by ISIS in Syria. Her work has made her a target for Iranian authorities, who have a long history of cracking down on Kurdish activists and women’s rights defenders.

Moradi was arrested on August 1, 2023, at the entrance to Sanna in East Kurdistan. After her arrest, she was held for 13 days before being transferred to Evin Prison in Tehran, a facility known for holding political prisoners. Her trial was marked by serious problems, including solitary confinement, torture, denial of medical care, and forced confessions. On November 10, 2024, she was sentenced to death for “armed rebellion against the state,” a charge that many legal experts and human rights groups say is not supported by the facts of her case.

What Does Honorary Citizenship Mean in Italy 🇮🇹?

Honorary citizenship is a symbolic status granted by a city or municipality in Italy 🇮🇹. It does not give the person legal residency, protection, or the right to live in Italy 🇮🇹. Instead, it is a public gesture that shows support and solidarity with the person’s cause. In Moradi’s case, the city of Poggibonsi wanted to send a clear message: they stand with her and call for justice.

Mayor Susanna Ceni of Poggibonsi described Moradi as a “sports coach, feminist activist, and Kurdish political prisoner who defends women affected by the war waged by ISIS in Syria.” The city council’s decision is part of a larger campaign to raise international awareness about Moradi’s situation and to encourage other cities and governments to take similar actions.

How Was the Honorary Citizenship Granted?

The process of granting honorary citizenship in Italy 🇮🇹 involves several steps:

1. Proposal Submission: Members of the Poggibonsi municipal council put forward the idea of granting honorary citizenship to Warisha Moradi in response to her imprisonment and death sentence in Iran.
2. Council Deliberation: The proposal was discussed by the council members, who considered the importance of showing support for Moradi and raising awareness about her case.
3. Unanimous Approval: Every member of the council voted in favor of the proposal, showing strong unity and commitment to the cause.
4. Public Announcement: Mayor Susanna Ceni announced the decision through official channels and social media, making sure the news reached both local residents and the international community.
5. Notification: The city is working to deliver the news of this honor to Moradi herself and her legal representatives, even though she remains in prison in Iran.

Why Did Italy 🇮🇹 Take This Step?

Italy 🇮🇹 has a tradition of supporting human rights defenders and standing up for people facing injustice around the world. By granting honorary citizenship to Warisha Moradi, Poggibonsi is joining other Italian cities, like Florence, which granted honorary citizenship to Kurdish activist Pakhshan Azizi in February 2025. These actions are meant to:

• Raise international awareness about the cases of political prisoners like Moradi.
• Increase diplomatic pressure on countries like Iran to respect human rights and stop using the death penalty against activists.
• Show solidarity with Kurdish and women’s rights activists who are often targeted for their work.

What Is the Current Situation for Warisha Moradi?

Warisha Moradi remains imprisoned in Evin Prison, Tehran. She was sentenced to death on November 10, 2024, after a trial that human rights groups say was unfair. Her lawyers have appealed the verdict, and the case is now under review by the ninth branch of the Iranian Supreme Court. The outcome of this review is not yet known, but it is being closely watched by international organizations and governments.

The judge in Moradi’s case, Abolqasem Salavati, is known for giving harsh sentences in political cases. Reports from groups like Human Rights Watch and the Center for Human Rights in Iran say that Moradi was denied a fair defense, subjected to torture, and forced to confess. They also point out that she was charged under Article 287 of Iranian law, which is usually used for violent crimes, even though the prosecutor recommended a lesser charge.

What Are the Implications for Stakeholders?

For Warisha Moradi

• No Direct Legal Protection: The honorary citizenship does not change Moradi’s legal status in Iran or provide her with asylum or protection. She remains at risk of execution unless the Iranian Supreme Court overturns her sentence.
• Increased International Attention: The gesture brings more attention to her case, which could help put pressure on Iranian authorities to reconsider her sentence.

For Kurdish and Women’s Rights Activists

• Symbolic Support: The honorary citizenship is a sign that their struggles are being recognized outside Iran. It can help build morale and encourage more activism.
• Potential for More Action: Other cities and governments may follow Italy’s 🇮🇹 example, leading to greater international support and possibly more concrete actions, such as diplomatic efforts or humanitarian interventions.

For Iranian Authorities

• International Pressure: The decision by Poggibonsi and other cities increases diplomatic and public pressure on Iran to respect human rights and reconsider the use of the death penalty against political prisoners.
• Global Scrutiny: Iran’s treatment of activists like Moradi is now under the spotlight, making it harder for authorities to act without international consequences.

For Italy 🇮🇹 and European Governments

• Leadership in Human Rights: Italy 🇮🇹 is showing leadership by standing up for human rights and supporting activists facing persecution.
• Setting a Precedent: Other European countries may be inspired to take similar actions, creating a network of support for political prisoners worldwide.

How Does Honorary Citizenship Affect Immigration and Asylum?

It’s important to understand that honorary citizenship is not the same as legal citizenship or asylum. In Italy 🇮🇹, honorary citizenship is a symbolic title. It does not give the person the right to live, work, or seek protection in Italy 🇮🇹. For someone like Warisha Moradi, who is imprisoned in another country, honorary citizenship cannot provide a path to safety or legal residency.

However, the gesture can have indirect effects:

• Raising Awareness: By bringing attention to Moradi’s case, it may encourage governments or international organizations to offer asylum or other forms of protection if she is released.
• Building Support Networks: Honorary citizenship can help activists build connections with supporters in other countries, which may be useful if they are able to leave their home country in the future.

For readers interested in the difference between honorary citizenship and legal immigration status, the Italian Ministry of the Interior provides official information about immigration and asylum procedures.

What Has Been the Response from Human Rights Organizations?

Human rights groups have strongly condemned the prosecution and sentencing of Warisha Moradi. According to Human Rights Watch and the Center for Human Rights in Iran, Moradi’s case is an example of how the Iranian government uses the death penalty and harsh prison sentences to silence dissent, especially among ethnic minorities and women activists.

These organizations have reported:

• Torture and Forced Confessions: Moradi was subjected to torture and forced to confess to crimes she did not commit.
• Denial of Legal Defense: She and her lawyers were not allowed to present a proper defense in court.
• Judicial Overreach: The use of Article 287 (armed rebellion) instead of Article 288 (non-violent rebellion) was seen as a way to justify the death penalty, even though the facts did not support such a harsh charge.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these actions are part of a broader pattern of human rights abuses in Iran, where the government often targets activists, journalists, and members of minority groups.

What Is the Broader Context for Kurdish Activists and Women in Iran?

Kurdish activists and women’s rights defenders in Iran face serious risks. The government often accuses them of threatening national security or supporting terrorism, even when their activities are peaceful. Many are arrested, tortured, and given long prison sentences or even the death penalty.

The case of Warisha Moradi is not unique. Other activists, like Pakhshan Azizi, have also been targeted. The international community, including cities in Italy 🇮🇹 and other European countries, is increasingly speaking out against these abuses.

What Happens Next? Future Outlook

Supreme Court Review

Moradi’s case is now in the hands of the Iranian Supreme Court. The outcome will be closely watched by human rights groups, European governments, and activists around the world. If the court upholds her death sentence, there may be even greater international outcry and calls for action.

Potential for Broader Action

The honorary citizenship granted by Poggibonsi may inspire other cities and governments to take similar steps. This could lead to:

• More honorary citizenships or symbolic gestures of support for political prisoners.
• Increased diplomatic pressure on Iran to halt executions and improve human rights.
• Greater involvement by international organizations, such as the United Nations, in monitoring and responding to human rights abuses in Iran.

Ongoing Advocacy

Human rights groups and Kurdish organizations are expected to keep up their campaigns for Moradi’s release and for broader reforms in Iran. They will likely use the increased attention from the honorary citizenship to push for more concrete actions, such as diplomatic interventions or offers of asylum if Moradi is released.

What Can Readers Do?

If you want to support Warisha Moradi and other activists facing persecution, you can:

• Stay Informed: Follow updates from human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch and the Center for Human Rights in Iran.
• Raise Awareness: Share information about Moradi’s case on social media and with your community.
• Contact Officials: Write to your local representatives or government officials, urging them to speak out against human rights abuses in Iran.
• Support Advocacy Groups: Donate to or volunteer with organizations working to defend human rights and support political prisoners.

Conclusion: The Power and Limits of Symbolic Acts

The decision by Poggibonsi, Italy 🇮🇹, to grant honorary citizenship to Warisha Moradi is a powerful act of solidarity. While it does not provide legal protection or change Moradi’s situation directly, it sends a clear message to Iran and the world: the struggle of Kurdish activists and women’s rights defenders will not be ignored. As the case moves forward in the Iranian Supreme Court, international attention and advocacy will be crucial in the fight for justice and human rights.

For more information about immigration and asylum in Italy 🇮🇹, visit the official government website. To follow updates on Warisha Moradi’s case and similar stories, keep an eye on reports from trusted sources and human rights organizations.

By understanding the meaning of honorary citizenship and the real-life impact of international solidarity, readers can better appreciate both the power and the limits of symbolic gestures in the ongoing fight for human rights and justice.

Learn Today

Honorary Citizenship → A symbolic title granted by a city to show support without granting residency or legal rights.
Evin Prison → Tehran’s notorious prison known for detaining political prisoners and human rights activists.
Appeal → A legal request to a higher court to review and change a lower court’s decision.
Article 287 → Iranian law clause often used for violent crimes, applied controversially to justify death penalties.
Solitary Confinement → Isolated imprisonment used as punishment or interrogation, often causing psychological harm.

This Article in a Nutshell

Poggibonsi, Italy, awarded honorary citizenship to Kurdish activist Warisha Moradi, imprisoned in Iran and sentenced to death. This symbolic act aims to raise global awareness of human rights abuses against Kurdish women activists, highlighting international solidarity amid ongoing legal appeals in Iran’s Supreme Court.
— By VisaVerge.com