The violent crackdown on protests against the Iranian regime by the police has so far claimed at least 185 (19 children) victims, Iranian Human Rights said. The latest, 17-year-old Nina Shakarami, who was arrested after she went on stage to demand justice and whose lifeless body was returned to her parents 10 days later. A new female victim that further ratifies the leadership role that Iranian women have taken in this movement.
Nika Shakarami, 17, was killed in Iran’s violent crackdown on protests triggered by the death in custody of #MahsaAmini
This video of her happily singing was published today on social media. #مهسا_امینی
pic.twitter.com/z26dX33pas— Golnaz Esfandiari (@GEsfandiari) October 4, 2022
The images and videos shared by the demonstrators on the different social networks highlight an important point: It´s the Women and young people that are the ones who have taken to the streets this time. Assal Rad, research director of the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) makes this point from her twitter account, from where she shares her images of the riots.
In a very revealing tweet, Rad brings the reality to light. In the publication we see "young girls marching defiantly through the streets." The researcher also points out that 40% of the country's population is under 24 years of age, and it is they who "have changed the game." For the analyst, "what makes this moment different is a generation far removed from the 1979 revolution that wants change."
Iranian girls defiantly marching thru the streets.
40% of Iranians are under 24 yrs old, as that group has come of age they’ve changed the game. That’s what makes this moment different, a generation far removed from the 1979 revolution, that wants change.pic.twitter.com/wwQVMiIPg6
— Assal Rad (@AssalRad) October 4, 2022
Wind-blown hair, burnt hijab, symbol of protests
Young women are carrying the weight, rebelling against Islamic dress standards. Their hair in the wind, without the hijab is one of the symbols of this movement. Far from the submission demanded of them, women reveal themselves and rebuke those who try to repress them.
Young Iranian schoolgirls in Karaj defy the mandatory veil, which is part of their uniform, and shout at school officials in protest. Generational change may be an unstoppable force, but the courage of these girls is incredible. pic.twitter.com/6YIOToDiJE
— Assal Rad (@AssalRad) October 3, 2022
Rad shares another video in which she praises the"courage" of the girls who defy the veil, "part of their school uniform" and "shout at the school officials."
From the organization, Iran Human Rights share the video of girls, without the hijab, singing what has become the anthem of the protests.
*Must-See on #Iran* (3 of 6)
In this clip, girl high school students--in a classroom w/out their forced-hijab--sing what has come to be the anthem of #IranProtests: "Baraye..." ("For...") by Shervin Hajipour (who has been arrested). #MahsaAmini #مهسا_امینی #اعتصابات_سراسری pic.twitter.com/fRg3GWkg4D
— IranHumanRights.org (@ICHRI) October 3, 2022
Iranian women are risking their lives, and in many cases, life is the price they are paying.
Iconic image #مهسا_امینی
— Golnaz Esfandiari (@GEsfandiari) October 2, 2022
"Be afraid, we are all together."
The change of attitude in these protests is seen in the chants. Rad reports: "The slogan 'Don't be afraid, we are all together' has been used in these and previous protests in Iran. But here the slogan takes on a different meaning, as they chant to the security forces: 'Be afraid, be afraid, we are all together'."
The slogan, “Don’t be afraid, we are all together” has been used in these and previous protests in Iran. But here the slogan takes on a different meaning, as they chant *at* security forces:
“Be afraid, be afraid, we are all together”pic.twitter.com/DJiRCF4gel
— Assal Rad (@AssalRad) October 1, 2022