The Iranian government has sparked some of Iran’s largest protests in years. The lack of freedom for women in Iran and other social injustices have made the Iranian people tired of their regime. The laws currently prohibit women from walking in public without properly wearing a hijab. Aside from women, other minority groups are not well recognized and aren’t allowed to participate in national politics.
The recent protests have injured many people, and others have died, but the Iranian people have persevered because they want freedom. If you wish to join Iranians in their fight for freedom, you can help Send Iran Love and support human rights organizations, such as the Center for Human Rights in Iran and the Iranian Red Crescent Society.
If you’re curious about the Iran situation, then this article will serve you well. It’ll provide you with additional information about recent protests in Iran so that your enthusiasm for joining the protestors can grow.
How Did The Protests Begin?
The protests began after Mahsa Amini, 22, died in police custody. The morality police arrested her because she was seen allegedly not properly wearing her hijab. According to eyewitnesses, the police struck her in the head and severely beat her, resulting in her coma and eventual death. This sparked protests throughout Iran.
Who Are The Protesters?
The recent protests in Iran have brought together people of all ethnicities, beliefs, and ages. Women initiated the protests, which other groups of people quickly joined. Young people have also taken an active role. This is because the youth have seen on social media how other young people worldwide are free and not segregated during classes in schools.
What Other Factors Influenced The Protests
Even though the death of Mahsa Amini sparked the protests, the Iranian people already had a long list of grievances. One of the reasons was the country’s practice of injustices in the name of religious observance. The lack of freedom for women in terms of dressing and participation in political, economic, and social spaces is reason enough. To add to the list, the Iranians have always lived in fear of getting the death penalty for minor offenses—for example, protesting.
Mahsa Amini’s passing only gave the Iranian people a cause to demonstrate in unison. They already had other reasons, one of which was why Amini died.
How Have The People Been Protesting?
Protests are being carried out both peacefully and violently. In the peaceful part, women frequently burn their hijabs and cut their hair while singing and dancing. Protesters have also been walking around the streets chanting ‘Women, life, freedom,’ supporting their liberty.
The national football team for Iran also refused to sing their national anthem at the 2022 World Cup in protest of their government. There have also been strikes near Iranian universities. As mentioned, some protests have been violent in some parts of Iran, where some protestors reportedly burnt security force buildings.
How Has The Iranian Government Responded?
The Iranian government has been strict and used violence to suppress the protests, particularly in areas where most ethnic minorities live. People have been put behind bars because of protesting. These include journalists, who are viewed as threats because they were the first to report on Mahsa Amini’s case.
Some have been threatened or killed simply for being heard supporting the protestors. Others have gone unaccounted for and/or have also been injured as a result of the protests.
Could The Regime Fall Because Of The Protests?
Whether the protests will lead the regime to surrender is still an issue. However, the recent demonstrations have sent the government a clear message that the people are tired. The people of Iran have played their part by making protests with the hope that they may be heard. It’s now up to the Iranian government to act and revise its laws for the betterment of Iran.
It would help if you continued to raise Iranian issues with your leaders for them to discuss Iran publicly. This could have an impact on Iran’s foreign policy.
Conclusion
While it’s difficult to be a woman, a religious minority, or an LGBT person in Iran, the Iranian people have been resilient enough to endure the protests since September 2022. Even if you cannot actively participate in the protests because you are not in Iran, you can always participate indirectly. You can do this by writing blogs to help inform others, writing to your local leaders to discuss Iran’s situation publicly, and donating to humanitarian organizations supporting the Iranian protests.
