A year ago, Mahsa Jina Amini tragically lost her life at the hands of the Iranian morality police. In the aftermath of this tragedy, a potent movement known as “Woman Life Freedom” emerged, championing the democratic and modern ideals of Iran’s young generation. Over the past year, the Iranian regime has responded with brutal crackdowns, resulting in numerous arrests, injuries, and even fatalities among protesters. Despite these severe measures, the Mahsa movement has persevered, undeterred by the numerous challenges imposed by the Iranian government. However, it is noteworthy that while the Mahsa movement remains steadfast in its objectives, opposition groups seem to be more fragmented and divided than ever before. The anniversary gathering and protest in memory of Mahsa Jina Amini in Washington D.C. displayed a stark contrast to my earlier documentation of the initial gathering of Iranians in the city, one year ago shortly after her passing. What particularly caught my attention was the active promotion by Reza Pahlavi’s supporters, advocating for him as the prospective leader/king of Iran, a position that is undemocratic. The Iranian populace persists in their struggle for “Woman Life Freedom,” but certain opposition groups have historically struggled to grasp the intricate dynamics in Iran. […]
Read MoreWashington, D.C., the capital of the United States, experienced a series of protests and riots following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. On June 1, 2020, Black Lives Matter protesters gathered in Lafayette Square Park near the White House to protest against police brutality and the police killing of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. In a violation of civil rights and what the New York Times named “one of the defining moments of the Trump presidency,” then President Trump and his administration called upon law enforcement to use force and violence to remove protesters from the area, without warning. A short while later, President Trump walked across the street to a nearby church St Johns for a photo opp. Protesters were hurt, media personnel were attacked, and church volunteers and clergy were pushed off the patio of St. Johns and tear gassed. In response, the ACLU of DC filed to sue President Trump, Attorney General Barr, Secretary of Defense Esper, the D.C. Metropolitan Police department and numerous other federal officials on behalf of Black Lives Matter D.C. and other plaintiffs affected. And while what happened on June 1st shocked many of us, for civil rights activists it was a […]
Read MoreThousands of people, including many of Iranian origin, march in Washington to show support for nationwide protests in Iran sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in September. Amini died in morality police custody in Iran after being detained for allegedly not wearing a headscarf (hijab) “properly” in public. Morality police is responsible for enforcing Iran’s strict dress code for women, including the wearing of the headscarf in public. Demonstrators hold up signs supporting women’s rights while chanting Mahsa Amini, the name of an Iranian woman killed in custody of the country’s morality police after being arrested for wearing her hijab incorrectly. “From D.C. to Tehran, down with the regime in Iran,” they often chanted, hoisting the names of fallen Iranian protesters on wide banners. Marchers usually sing “Baraye,” an Iranian song composed of social media posts made by Iranians explaining their reasons for joining a popular movement against the regime. Siamak Aram, one of the organizers, says demonstrations are planned to be held every Saturdays.
Read MoreCopyright © 2009-2023 Daniel Rad. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2009-2023 Daniel Rad. All Rights Reserved.