In this article, Amias Eleutheria explains the tension and conflict between the Iranian people and the Government as well as how to help.
Iran is a country that has seen tremendous bloodshed between the government and its people. Since the Iranian revolution in 1979, a totalitarian Islamic regime has taken over the country. This regime has made a cult of personality and they have created laws declaring some basic human rights as illegal. Freedom of speech, freedom of association, and freedom of religion are nonexciting in Iranian politics today. With sanctions and growing inflation, more and more Iranians, especially the younger generations have gone to the streets.
In response, the Iranian government sent the revolutionary guard to take care of the protests that are occurring. In November 2019, the government banned the internet for a week. Protesters were getting shouts from the revolutionary guard. Many videos have come out from the country showing these guards standing on a rooftop shooting at protesters with large rifles. This shows the government does not care about the well-being of their countrymen. Bountiful of the protesters have been arrested and being tortured for criticizing the government. Last year Iran has executed at least 251 people and Iran is the 2nd country in the world that has executed most people in 2019.
Navid Afkari is one of the protesters that have been sentenced to prison. Navid Afkari is a native wrestler that has won many national competitions. He and his brothers, Vahid and Hadid Afkari were protesting in 2018 for the demand to end high taxes on food. Navid Afkari was falsely accused of the murder of a revolutionary guard. He was tortured by the police to falsely confess to the murder. Navid was charged for insulting the supreme leader, spreading propaganda against the Islamic republic, waging a war with god, destroying public order, organizing a group, participating in a protest, and allegedly killing a revolutionary guard. Without his knowledge, he was executed on 12 September 2020. His family could not say goodbye to him when he was alive. This caused outrage both nationally and internationally on social media. From world leaders and organizations to middle-class citizens, they have all condemned the execution of Navid Afkari.
What can we do to help the protesters that are waiting for their trials? That is to raise awareness for what is happening in Iran and elsewhere where these injustices are happening. Post a story on social media what is happening to go on, it might save a life. That has saved the life of 3 protesters, Amir Hossein Moradi, Saeid Tamjidi, and Mohammad Rajavi. Their lives were saved because people did not allow these 3 men for dying for just expressing themself and there right to freedom of speech. Sources:
Wikipedia death of Navid Afkari 18.09.2020
The Guardian Iranian champion wrestler Navid Afkari executed despite global outcry 18.09.2020
Amnesty International stop the execution of protesters Iran 18.09.2020
Wikipedia 2019 internet blackout in Iran18.09.2020
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