Women. Life. Freedom.
زن زندگی آزادی
For Mahsa Amini, For Freedom.
Image: Sima Ghaffarzadeh (via Pexels)
Published August 7, 2023
By Nikki Sadat
Say her name: Mahsa Amini.
On September 16, 2022 morality police pulled 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian woman, Mahsa Amini, off the street. She died in custody three days later. Mahsa Amini’s only crime: not wearing her hijab properly. Although the Iranian Regime claims she died of heart failure, eyewitnesses report Amini was beaten and died in a coma in the hospital. Her death ignited a revolution. Tens of thousands of protestors revolted in the streets for women’s bodily autonomy and the clear violation of human rights.
Iranian women in particular have led the charge — burning hijabs, tearing off their veils, cutting their hair, chanting “Women, Life, Freedom.” This unprecedented surge of protests reflects the profound frustration of the Iranian people and solidarity for Mahsa Amini and countless others who suffered under the Regime’s oppression.
In response, the Islamic Republic violently silences protestors. Human Rights Watch documented security forces using assault rifles and shotguns against peaceful civilians. At least 537 have been killed and more than 19,700 arrested. Among the prisoners are Niloufar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi, the two female journalists who broke the story of Mahsa Amini’s death. Although Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared he would pardon more than 22,000 people, a mass release has not yet occurred. In fact, Iran's state media reported that pardons would not apply to charges of espionage or attacks on the government – which many protestors are accused of. Instead of amnesty, Iranians are being executed. Majid Kazemi, 30, Saleh Mirhashemi, 36, Saeed Yaqoubi, 37, and Mehdi Karami, 22, are among the victims. The Iranian Regime employs human rights violations to control its people.
In the face of such devastation, the anthem of the women-led revolution inspires change.
Shervin Hajipour wrote the song “Baraye” in response to Mahsa Amini’s death. It translates to “for” or “because of.” The lyrics echo millions of tweets by Iranians describing demands and aspirations for their country. Many of them were the same: “Baraye Azadi” [For Freedom]. The words spark revolution. Not surprisingly, Iranian security forces arrested Hajipour quickly after the song’s release for spreading anti-government propaganda. The Regime desires complete censorship. However, their efforts have failed. Hajipour was released on bail and ‘Baraye’ received the Grammy Award for Best Song for Social Change. Its words are still sung.
International solidarity further combats the Islamic Republic's erasure of people and protests. In particular, the Iranian Diaspora aids the women-led revolution. Los Angeles is home to over 138,000 Iranians – the largest population of Iranians outside Iran. Many have come to call it Tehrangeles [تهرانجلس]. On October 1, 2022, Tehrangeles showed up for Mahsa Amini. A massive demonstration in downtown L.A. rallied 20,000 people to march from Pershing Square to City Hall. Homemade signs and chants of “Free Iran” and “Women, life, freedom” filled the streets. On this day, Los Angeles’ Iranians joined the resistance. Although many a part of the Diaspora find it difficult to live in Los Angeles and watch Iranians suffer, they advocate for change. The Iranian Diaspora symbolizes the importance of transnational political resistance – challenging Islamic Republic control. Iranians inside Iran are not alone.
The Iranian Diaspora Collective has also emerged in response to Mahsa Amini’s death. The organization has raised over $500,000 to amplify the voices of Iranian protestors, provide VPN services, and “keep Iran online.” Since U.S. sanctions ban sending money directly, proceeds will go towards advertising the movement abroad. Visibility is a battle – one the Iranian Diaspora Collective has spearheaded since the women-led revolution began.
As a result of protests and international support, there has been a subtle shift in Iran’s oppressive atmosphere. Men and women alike gained bravery. The New York Times documented this in “Dreaming of a New Iran – Diaries from three young women.” In this collection of diary entries by Iranian women, 20-year-old college student Ghazal wrote, “Now we can eat in restaurants without wearing the hijab, and not a single person says, ‘Madam, put your hijab back on.’ Another woman, 23-year-old graduate student Kimia, reflected, “Now we go out without hijab, we wear what we want and men don’t say anything. They nod in approval. They smile.” These accounts represent the glimmer of progress and hope for women’s freedom. Daily life is filled with respect for resistance.
However, as Iranians continue to fight for freedom, the Iranian Regime does not relent. Since March 2023, more than 2,000 businesses have been shut down for allowing women in without hijabs. The morality police have resumed patrolling the streets. Inflation is skyrocketing and the currency has experienced a devaluation of 20 - 30% since the beginning of the year. Now, even Iranian mothers choose exile to provide their daughters with a different life. As U.S. and international media coverage decreases, the Islamic Republic regains confidence. The number of protests in major cities has decreased. Progress is threatened.
The Women, Life, Freedom movement extends beyond justice for Mahsa Amini. It demands the dissolution of the oppressive Regime. It represents answers for girls like 16-year-old Nika Shakarami who attended a protest in Tehran and was later found dead. It embodies the strength of the Iranian people and international solidarity. “Women, Life, Freedom” calls for consistency. Change requires nearly insurmountable resolve. The noticeable shifts in Iran’s daily life cannot vanish. For freedom, the revolution must continue.
To support the movement, visit the Iranian Diaspora Collective, Iran Justice Collective, and Iran Human Rights.
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Nikki Sadat will graduate from Middlebury College this February with a major in International and Global Studies and a minor in Political Science. She can speak Spanish, Farsi, and is currently learning Italian! As a Pacific Council Fellow this summer, Nikki is writing an editorial series that examines women's rights and roles in international conflict — including in Afghanistan, Iran, and California's Indigenous communities.
References:
In Iran, Woman’s Death After Arrest by the Morality Police Triggers Outrage
Iran Steps Up Policing of Women Who Defy Strict Dress Code.
Tens of Thousands in Iran Mourn Mahsa Amini, Whose Death Set Off Protests
The Women of Iran Are Not Backing Down
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Pacific Council.
