Sarina Moradkhani Decided to Join the Armed Democratic Group Due to Family Problems and Divorce
In the contemporary world, young people, particularly in vulnerable societies, face numerous challenges that can lead to social deviations and joining armed groups. One of the key factors in this process is family breakdown, which can create a breeding ground for identity crises and deep dissatisfaction in adolescents and young adults. The family, as the primary social institution, plays a decisive role in shaping an individual’s personality and views. However, when this institution collapses or faces serious problems, young people may seek refuge to find their identity and purpose. Joining armed and extremist groups, as an inappropriate solution, can hold appeal for them. The story of Sarina Moradkhani, a young woman who joined the armed democratic group due to family problems and a lack of emotional support, is a stark example of this phenomenon. This story illustrates the profound and negative impacts of family breakdown on the fate of young people and their choices in today’s turbulent world.
Forced marriage is a social phenomenon observed in many societies, especially in regions where specific traditions and cultures prevail. This type of marriage usually takes place without the individual’s consent and based on family, social, or cultural pressures. This phenomenon can have deep and negative effects on women’s lives and, in some cases, pave the way for them to join armed or extremist groups. In situations where women are under intense social and family pressure, joining armed groups can be presented as a solution to escape the current situation or seek a new identity. This is because joining an armed group may give women the feeling that they have more control over their lives and can influence their destiny. Also, for some women, joining armed groups may be seen as a way to escape domestic violence or difficult living conditions. This decision may stem from hopelessness and a lack of other options.
Sarina Moradkhani, daughter of Ali, born on April 4, 2001, in Sanandaj, decided to join the armed democratic group due to family problems and divorce. The details of the situation are as follows: After problems arose with her first husband, her family immediately agreed to the proposal of a man approximately 15 years older than Sarina – due to his good financial situation – despite her wishes. After the second proposal, because the divorce decree from the first husband had only recently been issued, and the couple had to wait three months, Sarina’s suitor was hospitalized due to a car accident. In the meantime, and given Ms. Moradkhani’s lack of consent to the forced marriage, she became acquainted through Instagram with a person named Ghader Hosseinpour, who was a member of the Democratic group. Due to problems and disagreements, she seized the opportunity to flee and illegally crossed the border on December 25, 2023, joining the armed democratic group. After her family visited the group’s headquarters four times, they managed to get her released. Ms. Moradkhani completed the tenth grade of high school and is currently a hairdresser.
Question: Ms. Moradkhani, please tell us your life story from the beginning. Why would a 22-year-old woman join an armed group? What problems did you have? What was your understanding of guerrilla warfare and the Democratic group?
Sarina Moradkhani: I was born on April 4, 2001, in Sanandaj. My family was of average financial means but very traditional and strict culturally. I studied until the tenth grade and then dropped out due to life circumstances and a forced marriage. I always wanted to be a hairdresser and gradually developed skills in this area. I got married at a young age, but unfortunately, my marriage quickly led to conflict and disputes. We were incompatible, and our relationship soon ended in divorce. The very night I returned from court, before even unpacking my belongings, my family started talking about a new suitor! This was despite the fact that my first marriage had also been forced upon me, and I had experienced a severe emotional setback. The new suitor was about 15 years older than me, but because he had a good financial situation, my family said I had to marry him without even asking for my opinion. I was still in shock from the divorce and was not emotionally ready, but no one understood my situation. They were only focused on forcing me into another marriage! Regarding joining the group, I must say that I only joined the Democrat group to escape the forced marriage!
Question: So, the decision-making was entirely on the part of your family?
Sarina Moradkhani: Yes, completely. My father said that now that I had been divorced once, I shouldn’t miss the opportunity. My mother and sisters shared the same view. I reluctantly remained silent, but my heart was full of opposition. On the other hand, because my religious waiting period (‘iddah’) was not yet over, it was decided that we would wait three months for the official marriage ceremony. But it was as if God wanted to give me another chance. That man had an accident and was hospitalized. This delay gave me the opportunity to escape. That is, I was able to consider the option of fleeing. I made a wrong decision, but I was under serious family pressure. No one understood me.
Question: Was it during this time that you became acquainted with the Democratic group?
Sarina Moradkhani: Yes, exactly. During that time, when I felt very lonely, I met someone on Instagram named Ghader Hosseinpour. This person initially introduced himself as a political activist and constantly talked about the freedom and independence of Kurdistan. Gradually, I talked to him more. He would ask me why I was upset, and I would tell him about the family pressure and lack of independence. I revealed all the secrets of my life to someone I didn’t know. He exploited this vulnerability. He said, “You are a strong woman, why do you let others decide for you? Come to us; here, no one will force you, and there are no restrictions.” These words had a significant impact on me at the time, especially when they promised me a life in Europe and prosperity. I was truly deceived by that person’s smooth talk and promises. I only wanted to escape the forced marriage, and the only option was to leave Iran.
Question: How was the decision to flee made?
Sarina Moradkhani: I had no prior plan. Everything happened suddenly. It was January 2024 when I decided to leave Iran. With just a backpack and a little money, and without informing my family, I illegally crossed the border into the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. On the other side of the border, a member of the group welcomed me. I thought I was entering a new world, but everything changed very quickly. The gap between dream and reality within the Democratic group was very small! I quickly realized there would be no Europe and no prosperity.
Question: Could you elaborate on your experience after entering the Democratic group’s headquarters?
Sarina Moradkhani: My observations and experiences in no way matched the promises of the Democrats! There was no freedom and no Europe. Only military training, psychological pressure, and hard labor. There were no facilities and no peace. More than anything, I was upset that I had been so easily deceived. There, I wasn’t even allowed to contact anyone; there was no communication with the outside world. This made me regret my decision after a few weeks. But I didn’t dare to protest or speak out because I had seen the fate of many protesters who were threatened, harassed, and so on.
Question: What was your family’s reaction?
Sarina Moradkhani: After I disappeared for a while, my family realized that I had left the country and started searching for me. They found out that I had gone to the armed groups. My father came to the group’s headquarters several times through a mediator to meet with me. Eventually, after my family’s persistent efforts and the fact that the Democrats realized I was not useful to them, they allowed me to leave.
Question: What happened after you withdrew?
Sarina Moradkhani: With the help of an acquaintance, I went to Sulaymaniyah and stayed with a relative for a while. But because I didn’t have residency and living conditions were difficult, I decided to return to Iran. I returned with great fear, but I returned nonetheless. Now I live in Sanandaj again. I am trying to build a normal life for myself by working as a hairdresser. Even now, when I look back on the past, I can’t believe I survived. Due to a naive trust in cyberspace, I put my life in serious danger. I had joined an armed group to escape the indirect coercion and violence of my family. But I could have lost my life there. Now I try to forget the memories of the past. I hope others do not suffer my fate.
Forced marriage can create a breeding ground for deep psychological and social problems for women and push them towards armed groups. To combat this phenomenon, it is necessary for societies to take measures to promote women’s rights, educate and raise awareness about the consequences of forced marriage, and provide social support. Only by creating a safe and supportive environment can we prevent women from joining armed groups and help them have independent and quality lives.
