From Solitary To Solidarity: An Iranian Activist’s Journey with Shabnam Madadzedeh (Iran & Switzerland)

Send us Fan MailThe story starts with a young computer science student in Tehran and pivots into a life reshaped by courage. Shabnam Madadzedeh takes us inside Evin Prison—solitary confinement, interrogations, a sham trial—and then beyond the prison gates where a different fight begins. Denied the right to study, work or travel, she chose exile over silence, carrying her life in a backpack and the testimonies of fellow inmates in her memory.We explore what dedication looks like when the stakes are measured in lives. Shabnam Madadzedeh explains why she refused a conventional path and instead committed 100% to human rights advocacy: documenting abuses, briefing parliamentarians in Luxembourg and Switzerland, and engaging UN human rights mechanisms to press for accountability. She names the crisis directly—mass executions, hunger strikes in Qezel Hesar, and pleas smuggled from inside prisons—and argues that Iran’s religious fascism cannot be reformed, only replaced through organised, principled resistance led by people willing to give everything.This is not a story about victimhood. It is a portrait of agency forged in hard places, guided by role models in the National Council of Resistance of Iran and anchored in the belief that a life spent lifting others is a larger life. We talk about the psychology of survival, the ethics of total commitment, and the practical tools of advocacy: evidence, coalitions, and relentless attention. If you care about Iran human rights, political prisoners, Evin Prison, Qezel Hesar, and stopping executions, this conversation offers context, clarity and a way forward.If this moved you, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review. Your voice helps amplify theirs.Music, lyrics, guitar and singing by Dr Ariel Rosita KingTeach me to live one day at a timewith courage love and a sense of pride.Giving me the ability to love and accept myselfso I can go and give it to someone else.Teach me to live one day at a time.....Support the showThe Business of LifeDr Ariella (Ariel) Rosita KingOriginal Song, "Teach Me to Live one Day At A Time"written, guitar and vocals by Dr. Ariel Rosita KingDr King Solutions (USA Office)1629 K St, NW #300, Washington, DC 20006, USA, +[email protected]