Life in Spain and Seeking Asylum
Following the Kazakhstan tournament, Sara relocated to Spain, where she sought asylum under the country’s Golden Visa law, which grants residency to individuals who invest in property worth at least half a million euros. Her move was widely publicized, and she was even received by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Madrid on February 22, 2023, an event that symbolized international solidarity with her cause.
In Spain, Sara has continued to pursue her chess career while advocating for human rights. Her defection and political stance have turned her into a significant figure in the broader struggle for women’s rights and freedom of expression in Iran.
Tribute to Imprisoned Journalists
In a remarkable show of solidarity with Persian journalists Niloufar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi, who were temporarily released from Evin Prison, Sara dedicated her European Blitz runner-up medal to them. She called the two journalists “true heroes” for their courageous reporting on government injustices in Iran. This gesture further underscored her commitment to supporting the voices of those fighting against oppression.