The voices of the Iranian youth in Scotland giving a better understanding into the ongoing unrest in Iran.
The upset in Iran is hard to ignore in this day and age with the rise of social media. Over the years we have seen outcry in Iran over different issues mostly related to the government. Protests have broken out recently after the death of Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish woman, who passed away while in ‘morality’ police custody after she was arrested for wearing ‘inappropriate’ attire. The reason as to why this caused a global outrage is due to the fact there is a shared belief she was murdered by Iranian police, and this started protesting over women’s rights in terms of hijab and freedom. This is seen as a human rights issue as many Iranians of any gender are being affected and targeted as we see an escalation of events.
For more context surrounding what is happening in Iran, In 1979 the modern legal system in Iran was replaced by an Islamic legal system with a version of Sharia Law. These laws include women must cover their hair in public, men should wear long trousers and long sleeves, relationships between non-Muslim men and Muslim women are illegal, consumption of alcohol is forbidden, these are just a few laws that came after the Islamic Revolution. This not the first time Iranians have been advocating and wanting better for their country. ‘Bloody November’ is a historic period in Iran. In 2019 in which a series of protests broke out at first due to rise in fuel prices which turned into civil protests wanting the government to be overthrown. The exact number of those who passed away during ‘Bloody November’ is not known one hundred percent it is reported by Reuters that 1,500 people will killed during this period however human rights groups report that 3,000 protesters were killed.
The general feeling from the Iranian youth here in Scotland is that of sadness and hope. There is a sense of togetherness surrounding the protests and resilience in fighting for what is right. Students here in Scotland have not been shy in being vocal and taking matters into their own hands, protests at university campuses and in city centres which really show just how great of an Iranian community there is here in Scotland as they are seen in the masses and how diverse in age, gender, and race of those who attend. When I attended the protest here in Aberdeen, in which I was surprised in the turn out and energy from those who gathered there in the cold and snow but still singing and showing such great togetherness, they all spoke with so much passion and seeing all of them hold hands with one another was truly heart-warming and exuded such power.
Sara Tak is an Aberdeen local who is a student at the University of Glasgow. Sara is an Iranian who has been heavily involved in advocating for a better future for Iran and participating in protests here in Scotland. These protests here have served as a way for anyone to get involved and is encouraged.
“The best thing that Scottish civilians can do is show up and stand up. The Iranian people need you more than ever, we need your support. If you are able to, please attend protests, power exists in numbers. Continue talking about what is going on and do not let the momentum die”
Showing support in any way possible can be so impactful in bringing awareness and getting the attention of others to join in spreading the word. Consistency is needed in making sure this does not get forgotten or brushed under the rug in order to really tackle what is happening in Iran. In this era of social media and the internet it is even easier to spread the word and take part in standing alongside Iranians, Sara shares this same belief:
“Historically, there has been a sense of dismissal for protests by diasporic Iranians, however I believe that in this digital era, even those out of Iran can use their voices for effective global and political change, whether this be through contacting local politicians, expressing themselves through art activism or educating their peers.”
This is Sara at the Glasgow Protest, speaking to those who have attended.
However, protesting and spreading information can only take us so far, even in masses we can not make a change overnight ourselves. Every day it seems that there is an escalation in events in Iran, death sentences and executions have begun to take place as the Iranian government take matters into their own hands causing such bloodshed and pain instead of trying to help make a change for the Iranian people. Sara calls on the Scottish Government to help:
“To the Scottish government, you must act now. Official statements must be made condemning the Iranian regime as a terrorist group, maintaining sanctions, and ensuring that members of the IRGC as well as those generally affiliated with officials are not given permission to flee to the UK and gain visas and protection by the government. Executions must be condemned; 16,000 political prisoners need your support and sponsorship to prevent their executions.”
Nirvan Abedi, who is the president of the Iranian society of Aberdeen and who helps organise the protests here in the city, he shares a similar feeling towards what is happening in his home country. Nirvan remains very hopeful and recognises the strength of Iranians while navigating this time of unrest.
“I have never been more proud to be an Iranian. The Iranian women and men have shown a lot of courage in their fight in Iran. I’m filled with sorrow for all the brave people we have lost, but deep inside I am hopeful that their sacrifice will not be for granted. The government had worked very hard throughout its tenure to destroy the Iranian identity as it is. However, Women- life-freedom has given our identity a new soul “unity till freedom”.”
The immense number of people standing up against their government for a better life is to be commemorated, as a country who has felt at times ignored and hurt by the actions of their leaders who are supposed to be looking after them, it must be noted how admirable it is that all those involved are trying to make a change where they face the fear of death, imprisonment and torture. Nirvan feels that the nation has been “robbed of a normal life for generations”, he also highlights just how important this shift is for Iran;
“I don’t think there is a sense of self-pity but rather a determined nation that is using any tool at its grasp from protests to strikes and other forms of civil disobedience to get what it deserves. The last 100 days have been a turning point in our history, there is no going back from this and regime change is not a matter of if but when. I hope that in future of Iran, everyone from different religious and political backgrounds can live together in peace and harmony.”
Hearing these inspirational voices gives a glimpse of hope into the future of Iran as those so far away from home continue to fight and find ways to show support to keep the awareness of Iran known. This is not an issue that will disappear anytime soon and thanks to those young voices who are advocating for what is right and educating the public on how to help and to learn more. Freedom for Iranians is a fight worth taking part in no matter who you are or where you live.
Lastly, in Edinburgh there is a display of those who have been arrested or killed during this tragic period in history.
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