September 16, 2022 marks a symbolic turning point in Iran. Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old girl from Iranian Kurdistan, died following her arrest by the morality police, the Gasht-e Ershad. His crime of lèse-majesté? The young woman does not believe in the veil and therefore wears it very lightly, which has generated the wrath of the police governing good behavior.
Posted yesterday at 11:00 a.m.
Mahsa Amini is one of many collateral victims of a regime that violates human rights, especially women’s rights. His horrific and unjust death sparked anger and frustration in the country.
The Iranian women can’t take it anymore. The Iranian people can’t take it anymore. We can’t take it anymore and we stand in solidarity with those who put their lives at risk to put an end to religious fundamentalism and political despotism.
A historic turning point
In 1979, during the Iranian Revolution, youth and women were at the heart of social transformation. Now, in 2022, women and young people are once again the standard bearers of revolt against a totally abusive regime. We are witnessing a decisive historic moment after 40 years of repression. Unheard of since 1979.
Since the election of the ultraconservative Raisi in June 2021, the political, economic and social situation in Iran has deteriorated. However, the Iranian women are protesting loud and clear. At the cost of their lives. And their challenge could lead to a positive result, the overthrow of a discriminatory regime.
Faced with this violence institutionalized by a repressive state, anger is roaring and roaring all over Iran. There are many demonstrations. Each occupation of public space is a risk for the women and men who dare to denounce a fundamentalist government. Depending on the demonstrations, the demands intersect: to fight against the discriminatory laws against women which today govern Iranian society. Among these totally intimidating measures, we find the dress code imposed on women. In chorus, the demonstrators claim fundamental democratic principles such as freedom of expression, assembly, association. The Iranian people demand the basis, a respect, a social contract so that the well-being of the citizens is guaranteed and they know very well that this is only possible with a radical change of government.
Faced with the regroupings and strikes that are organized across the country to overthrow this illegitimate regime, potential leaders of the movement are imprisoned, the repression is strong and brutal. This capital challenge was heavily punished by the police. According to Iran Human Rights, an international association for human rights based in Oslo, nearly 108 people were killed during the repression carried out by the security forces.
act here
Every event held by the international community is important. Quebec must show solidarity with Iranian women. This has already been formulated by the Iranian people. She feels forgotten, abandoned. We have heard this disappointment and we believe that it is necessary to react and act. We must defend the Iranian community in its resistance. It is imperative to demonstrate our solidarity with the Iranian people who are courageously fighting against religious fundamentalism and political despotism.
Acting here means, among other things, participating in the major demonstration that will take place this Saturday, October 22 at 2:30 p.m. at Place Émilie-Gamelin in support of the Iranian women’s uprising. We have the freedom to demonstrate and speak out. However, denouncing by thousands is a fundamental gesture to reverse the course of history. Because we are for women’s freedom of choice.