Arrests, death threats and direct attacks by security forces: since September 16, the Iranian authorities have used all means to prevent families from celebrating the anniversary of the death of one of their own, a year after the start of the movement “Woman, life freedom”. The goal: to prevent these commemorations from giving rise to new demonstrations against the regime throughout the country.
Since the start of the “Women, Live Freedom” movement in September 2022, Iran has been plagued by tensions and demonstrations against the regime in place. The reasons for these demonstrations are multiple: the situation of women, restrictions on freedoms, political repression, among others. Thousands of people were arrested, some were victims of violence, and others lost their lives.
Despite this repression, the families of the deceased demonstrators have not forgotten their loved ones and wish to commemorate their memory. However, the Iranian authorities are doing everything possible to prevent these commemorations, by imposing house arrests, threatening families and blocking access to cemeteries.
A tragic example is that of the Heidary family, who wanted to commemorate the death of Javad Heidary, killed by security forces in September 2022. Law enforcement stormed their village, blocking roads and attacking the house family with tear gas and live bullets. Children were injured and several family members were arrested.
These events illustrate the violence and repression suffered by the families of deceased demonstrators in Iran. Despite the regime’s attempts to silence these commemorations, families resist and seek to pay tribute to their loved ones.
The scale of the repression in Iran is alarming, and the international community must continue to denounce these human rights violations. It is essential that the voices of the families and deceased protesters are not silenced, and that their sacrifices are not forgotten. The Iranian authorities must be accountable for their actions and allow families to commemorate their loved ones with dignity and safety.
Protests in Iran continue, and hope for change remains. The families of the fallen protesters will continue to fight for justice and freedom, and we must support them in this fight.
Sources:
– Photo by The Observers (@Observers)
– “Iran Arrests Protesters Marking Anniversaries of 2022 Crackdown – AP News”: https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-iran-government-and-politics-dea0c864a4355be1b21e8f1e2c25c766
– “Iranian authorities attack family commemorating son’s anniversary”: https://twitter.com/Observateurs/status/1440508458476782592