Author

Sophia Akram

Sophia Akram is a freelance journalist, researcher and writer focusing on migration, conflict, identity and inequality. While studying, she did an undergrad in Law and postgrad in International Politics and Human Rights. Her words have since appeared in Al Jazeera, Middle East Eye, The New Arab and The Huffington Post among other publications.

Human Rights, Sports,

Why Are We Still Talking About Iran In The World Cup?

by Sophia Akram3 weeks ago

Iran’s football team may not be moving any further in Russia 2018 but Iranian football fan Maryam Qashqaei Shojaei still has a job to do....

Books, Politics,

CODEPINK’s Medea Benjamin Takes A Look Inside Iran

by Sophia Akram1 month ago

Medea Benjamin’s entry into the public sphere came with disruptive vigor in May 2013, when she interrupted an address by former US President Barack Obama...

Politics,

NIAC’s New President Jamal Abdi

by Sophia Akram2 months ago

November last year, in Virginia’s Fairfax county, an unarmed man in a car was gunned down after police officers pursued him in his vehicle. The...

Politics,

Do Iranian Americans Receive Equal Rights Before The Law?

by Sophia Akram3 months ago

Everyone must be equal before the law. This is a phrase some Iranians might take with a pinch of salt. Particularly in the era of...

Human Rights,

1000 Days And Counting

by Sophia Akram5 months ago

Monday 29 January marked the 1000th day Iranian lawyer Narges Mohammadi spent in detention in Iran. A prominent human rights defender, Mohammadi was sentenced twice...

Politics,

Will Europe Save The Iranian Nuclear Accord?

by Sophia Akram6 months ago

Donald Trump is threatening to tear up one of the most significant accords in recent history. New data from the International Crisis Group says Europe...

Arts and Literature, Books,

With Ash On Their Faces: Yezidi Women And The Islamic State

by Sophia Akram6 months ago

In 2014 the Yezidis caught the attention of the world. Amid ISIS's bloody battles for Iraq and Syria was the plight of a minority sect,...

Human Rights, Life,

Changing The World, One Micro-Act At A Time

by Sophia Akram7 months ago

Iranian-American couple Joe and Sarah Kiani are recognized for their humanitarian efforts. And it all started with one small act of kindness. If you want...

Politics,

What Does Saleh’s Demise In Yemen Mean For Iran?

by Sophia Akram7 months ago

Yemen, gripped by war, just experienced a major twist. While the country’s devastating humanitarian situation has caused international concern, the internal and geo-political dynamics of...

Arts and Literature, Painting,

Iran Hits The London Art Scene

by Sophia Akram8 months ago

CAMA is a brand-new project that's planning to make a ripple in the London art scene. The gallery’s owners explain to Sophia Akram for The...

Human Rights,

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s Freedom: The UK Must Put Human Rights Before Trade

by Sophia Akram9 months ago

Nazanin Zaghary-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian mother, was arrested in Iran in April 2016. Every day since has been a living nightmare for the Ratcliffes. Now, after...

Human Rights,

More Than Two Years On, Refugees Are Stuck In A Lawless Hell In Greece

by Sophia Akram10 months ago

Greece has been serving as the reception center for refugees trying to find a home in Europe since the wake of the ‘refugee crisis’ in...

Human Rights,

Should The UK Do More To Bring Kamal Foroughi Home?

by Sophia Akram10 months ago

On Sunday 3 September 2017, Kamal Foroughi turned 78, making him one of the oldest prisoners in Iran. Being a British citizen, one might have...

Human Rights, Sports,

Muslim Women Are Breaking Through Sporting Barriers And Pushing For More

by Sophia Akram1 year ago

In the last few years sports brand Nike has reached out to Muslim women and women from the Middle East, rounded off with the release...

Business,

Ali Youssefi – Reinventing The Urban Lifestyle

by Sophia Akram1 year ago

Sacramento, once known as a ‘staid government town,’ has been undergoing a gradual evolution. While retaining its historical character, a raft of regeneration measures has...