Sanandaj: Arrest and Ongoing Disappearance of Chia Rezaei, Asian MMA Champion and Coach

On September 5, 2025, Chia Rezaei, a Kurdish citizen from Sanandaj and a champion in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), was arrested by security forces and taken to an undisclosed location.

According to a source who spoke to Kurdpa, on Friday, September 4, 2025, he was arrested by plainclothes agents from the Sanandaj Intelligence Department as he left the gym after finishing his daily training, and was taken to an unknown location.

As of the time this report was published, the reasons for Chia Rezaei's arrest remain unknown. More than 24 hours have passed since his detention, and he has been denied any contact or visitation rights with his family, as well as access to legal counsel.

Chia Rezaei’s Detention History

Chia Rezaei has previously been repeatedly summoned and detained by security agencies.

He was arrested in 2022, during the "Woman, Life, Freedom" uprising in Sanandaj, by security forces and held in solitary confinement in security detention centers for a period of time.

He also has a history of arrest and imprisonment prior to the "Woman, Life, Freedom" uprising.

About Chia Rezaei

Chia Rezaei is originally from the village of Babarez and resides in Sanandaj. He is an Asian champion in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and a coach at "Gladiator" Gym in Sanandaj and "Bawarez" Gym in the village of Babarez.