Who Is Behrouz Boochani? Age, Biography and Wiki
Behrouz Boochani was born on July 23, 1983, making him 42 years old in 2025. He is a Kurdish-Iranian writer, journalist, and activist known for his poignant commentary on the plight of refugees and his firsthand experiences in Australian immigration detention. His literary work often focuses on themes of freedom and identity, and he's gained international recognition, particularly since his arrival in Australia after seeking asylum.
Boochani gained prominence with his book "No Friend But the Mountains," which won multiple awards. His compelling storytelling has captivated readers and shed light on critical humanitarian issues, establishing him as a significant figure in contemporary literature.
| Occupation | Journalist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 23, 1983 |
| Age | 42 Years |
| Birth Place | Ilam, Iran |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | Iran |
Popularity
Behrouz Boochani's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As of 2025, Behrouz Boochani's height is approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm), and his weight is around 160 pounds (72 kg). His physique reflects a healthy lifestyle, although specific body measurements such as chest, waist, or hip sizes are not publicly disclosed.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Behrouz Boochani tends to keep his personal life private, especially regarding his family and relationships. As of 2025, there are no records of him having a girlfriend, boyfriend, husband, or wife. His primary focus has been his advocacy work and literary contributions, which leaves little room for public romantic involvement.
He began his journalistic career writing for the student newspaper at Tarbiat Modares University, before working as a freelance journalist for several Iranian newspapers such as Kasbokar Weekly, Qanoon, and Tehran -based Etemaad as well as the Iranian Sports Agency.
He wrote articles on Middle East politics, minority rights and the survival of Kurdish culture. In secret, he taught children and adults a particular Kurdish dialect from the region of Ilam, regarded as their mother tongue.
He co-founded and produced the Kurdish magazine Werya (also spelt Varia), which he regarded as his most important work, and which attracted the attention of the Iranian authorities because of its political and social content.
The magazine promoted Kurdish culture and politics; Boochani felt it very important for the Kurdish city of Ilam to retain its Kurdish identity, language and culture. As a member of the Kurdish Democratic party, outlawed in Iran, and the National Union of Kurdish Students, he was watched closely.
Net Worth and Salary
Although specific details regarding Behrouz Boochani's net worth in 2025 are not publicly available, estimates suggest that he has a net worth ranging between $1 million to $5 million. His earnings primarily stem from his writing, speaking engagements, and advocacy work. His poignant narratives and public discussions on refugee rights also contribute to his income, although exact figures vary.
Career, Business and Investments
Behrouz Boochani's career has been characterized by his transition from journalism in Iran to becoming a globally recognized author and activist in Australia. His book “No Friend But the Mountains” not only received critical acclaim but also won the Australian Book Industry Award. He continues to speak at various international platforms, advocating for the rights of asylum seekers and refugees.
In addition to his literary success, Boochani is involved in several humanitarian initiatives, further amplifying his impact on society. He has collaborated with various organizations focused on refugee rights, contributing to his standing as a formidable voice in the fight against injustice.
While living in the Manus Island detention centre Boochani has had many of his articles published by online news and other media, such as "The day my friend Hamid Kehazaei died" in The Guardian and "Life on Manus: Island of the Damned" in The Saturday Paper, and others by HuffPost, Financial Times, and the New Matilda.
Guardian journalist Ben Doherty, upon accepting the Amnesty International Australia award on Behrouz's behalf in 2017, said that Boochani "...rightly, sees himself as a working journalist on Manus Island, whose job it is to be bear witness to the injustices and the violence and the privation of offshore detention".
Some of his articles have been published on Kurdish websites in Iran.
Social Network
Behrouz Boochani is active on several social media platforms, where he shares insights about his work and thoughts on current issues. He is particularly prominent on Twitter and Instagram, where he engages with followers and supporters. His social media presence is pivotal in raising awareness about refugee rights and sharing updates on his literary endeavors.
Boochani was featured as the subject of ABC TV's Australian Story. He said that he would not be following through with resettlement in Papua New Guinea, and now regrets his decision to aim for Australia.
Education
Boochani pursued higher education during his early life in Iran, where he studied journalism. His academic background laid the foundation for his career in writing and advocacy. His extensive knowledge and insights into the socio-political environment of the Middle East continue to inform his work as a journalist and author.
Behrouz Boochani (born 23 July 1983) is a Kurdish-Iranian journalist, human rights defender, writer and film producer living in New Zealand. He was held in the Australian-run Manus Island detention centre in Papua New Guinea from 2013 until its closure in 2017.
He remained on the island before being moved to Port Moresby along with the other detainees around September 2019. On 14 November 2019 he arrived in Christchurch on a one-month visa, to speak at a special event organised by WORD Christchurch on 29 November, as well as other speaking events.
In December 2019, his one month visa to New Zealand expired and he remained on an expired visa until being granted refugee status in July 2020, at which time he became a Senior Adjunct Research Fellow at the University of Canterbury.
