Kurdish Opposition to the Nomination of Reza Pahlavi for the 2026 Freedom Prize for the Iranian People
Kurdish American Education Society KAES via iKurd.net
October 12, 2026
Ardishir Rashidi Kalhur
President
Kurdish American Education Society
The Honorable Steffen Saebisch
President
Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Karl-Marx-Strasse 2
14482 Potsdam, Germany
Subject: KAES Statement of Opposition to the Nomination of Reza Pahlavi for the 2026 Freedom Prize for the Iranian People
Dear President Saebisch,
I am writing on behalf of the Kurdish American Education Society (KAES) to formally express our opposition to the nomination of Mr. Reza Pahlavi as the recipient of the Foundation’s Freedom Prize for the Iranian People.
While we respect the significance of this award and the longstanding work of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in promoting democratic values, we believe that Mr. Pahlavi’s record and political conduct do not align with the principles and criteria that should guide the selection of such an honoree.
Since the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979, Mr. Pahlavi and many of his supporters in the Iranian diaspora have advocated for the restoration of the former dictatorial system that ruled Iran under the Pahlavi family. In our view, such efforts do not represent a commitment to a genuinely democratic and inclusive future for all peoples of Iran.
The human rights record of the former Pahlavi regime, particularly with respect to political freedoms and the treatment of non-Persian national communities, has been the subject of extensive historical documentation and criticism. Many Kurds, along with other national minorities in Iran, experienced political repression and denial of cultural, political and linguistic rights during that period.
As members of the Kurdish national community in Iran, whose people have endured repeated human rights violations under both the current Islamic Republic and previous governments, we do not believe that Mr. Pahlavi can credibly represent the aspirations of all the peoples of Iran.
Awarding him a prize that purports to recognize the struggle for freedom would, in our view, overlook the experiences and sacrifices of millions who continue to seek genuine democracy, equality, and self-determination.
Our position should not be interpreted as an expression of grievance against the Persian people. Rather, it reflects our belief that the diverse nations and communities of Iran deserve representation that is inclusive, democratic, and respectful of their distinct identities and rights. We do not consider Mr. Pahlavi to be an appropriate representative of those aspirations, nor do we believe his record merits this distinction.
Honorable Mr. Saebisch, the Freedom Prize should be reserved for individuals whose actions demonstrate a sustained commitment to liberty, human dignity, democratic principles, and equal rights. Such recognition should be based on merit, sacrifice, and a proven record of advancing freedom, rather than on inherited political status, historical prominence, or political favoritism
We respectfully urge the Foundation to reconsider this nomination in light of these concerns. Should the Foundation wish to receive additional information or supporting references regarding the historical and political issues raised in this letter, we would be pleased to provide them.
Should the Friedrich Naumann Foundation decide to consider alternative candidates for this honor, we respectfully submit that the parents of Zhina (Jina) Amini would represent a more compelling choice.
Through their dignity, courage, and perseverance following their daughter’s death, they have become internationally recognized symbols of the struggle for human rights, justice, and freedom in Iran.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,
Ardishir Rashidi-Kalhur, the President of Kurdish American Education Society, Los Angeles, U.S.
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