For Women, Life, Freedom

Shirin Baghizadeh

News

Change begins with a spark. In Iran's case, it was the death of 22-year-old Mahsa (Zhina) Amini and the outpouring of anger in the streets of Iran afterwards.

On September 16th, 2022, Mahsa died in custody after being beaten by the Islamic Republic's "morality police" for wearing her hijab "improperly." Protests, spanning 50 Iranian cities, erupted in response to her death. Iranian women subjected to strict religious norms by the Islamic Republic are the prominent leaders of these demonstrations. However, they face an oppressive patriarchal government with leaders willing to do whatever it takes to protect it.

Iran's battle for freedom has been ongoing for decades. However, this year’s protests are different. The protestor's demands are not to loosen Iran's theocracy; they wish to end it.

"Death to the dictator!" came the unambiguous slogan of the protests, previously adopted by Iranian protesters in 2009 and 2019. This year’s protests are similar in cause and nature. Amid the growth of the Mahsa Amini protests, the government has imposed a near-total internet shutdown to prevent coverage and communication. The same event occurred during the 2019 “Bloody November” protests, where the internet shutdown allowed the government to massacre nearly 1500 protestors with little coverage. Similarly, in 2009, a suspected 70 protestors were shot and killed in the streets.

Protestors also adopted the Kurdish slogan "woman, life, freedom" to echo their goals for these protests. Iranian singer Shervin Hajipour summarized the struggles of Iranians in his song "Baraye." The lyrics, sewn together from protestors’ tweets, has become an anthem for the protests. Above fundamental human rights, justice, democracy, and freedom, the protestors desire a "normal life." Hajipour's lyrics reflect this as he sings, "For dancing in the streets. For our fear when kissing loved ones. For my sister, your sister, our sisters."

Even after eight weeks of protest, many still gather in the streets to burn their hijabs, cut their hair, and shout. Brave Iranian girls flood the dangerous streets and chant furiously to demand equality. Once beautiful cities are filled with deserted sidewalks, broken glass, blood, and scorched infrastructure. Yet Iranians are determined. Women walk the streets without headscarves (an offense punishable by whipping). Others offer hugs to strangers. However, Iranians are careful to avoid insulting religion; as one protestor put it, ''Islam is one thing; the system is another."

Unfortunately, the Islamic Republic does not leave these acts unpunished. As of November 12th, approximately 381 people, including 55 children, have lost their lives. A notable death was 16-year-old Nika Shakarami, who disappeared for nine days before being found dead with signs of rape and beating. Authorities framed her death as a suicide and allegedly stole her body to exercise leverage over her family. Unfortunately, Nika's fate is one shared by many protestors. Authorities continue to evade responsibility for the deaths and provide no justice.

Do not be mistaken; this fight is not gendered or religious; it is a fight for freedom and choice. Hajipour put it best: "For the unstoppable tears. For students and their future. For the girl who wished to be a boy. For women, life, freedom!"