Testimonies (1/3): Emotion and anger after the death of Mahsa Amini in Iran
This article is the first part of a series of poignant testimonies collected after the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, a young 26-year-old Iranian woman. Diako Alavi, a teacher at the Saqqez high school where the victim lived, recounts the events that followed his disappearance and the protests that shook the small town of Saqqez.
Diako Alavi’s account depicts a scene of palpable emotion and anger in the days following Mahsa Amini’s death. News of his disappearance quickly circulated in the small town of Saqqez, sparking a wave of emotion and support for his family. Diako Alavi, knowing the young woman’s family well, was immediately concerned and accompanied his students in the demonstrations organized in her honor.
On the day of Mahsa Amini’s funeral, the Saqqez cemetery was filled with thousands of mourners. The silence was so heavy you could have heard a pin drop. But suddenly a voice was raised, that of a man expressing anger and despair at this tragedy. This statement set off a chain reaction and the crowd became noisy, chanting slogans calling for revenge and justice.
The words of Mahsa Amini’s father brought a moment of respite to the agitated crowd. He tried to calm tempers and dissuade demonstrators from taking violent measures, fearing reprisals against his only surviving son. But the crowd responded firmly, assuring him that they were ready to support the family in their quest for justice.
The demonstrations then moved in front of the governorate post, where the police used water cannons and shotguns to disperse the protesters. Diako Alavi witnessed shocking scenes, with demonstrators injured by bullets, some of whom were hit in the eyes. He describes the town of Saqqez as a war zone, overrun by security forces and the Revolutionary Guards.
As a teacher, Diako Alavi was asked by the parents of his students to help them bring their children home safely. Despite the dangers, he continued to demonstrate daily, discovering young people who were courageous and determined to fight for their right to freedom. For these young people, the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement was a glimmer of hope in a dark and false future.
Diako Alavi’s testimony highlights the violence and repression suffered by demonstrators in Iran, but also the strength and determination of young people who refuse to remain silent in the face of injustice. These testimonies remind us of the importance of supporting people who fight for their fundamental rights and denouncing abuses of power.