Since the new year, over one million people have protested in Iran’s capital, Tehran. The government’s crackdown on civilian protests has involved extreme violence. More than 36,500 Iranians were killed in the government’s response on Jan. 8–9, according to Iran International.
The Iranians have been protesting their religious extremist government, the Islamic Republic regime, because of hyperinflation and misogyny. The regime took control of Iran during the Iranian Revolution in 1979, imposing oppressive laws such as gender segregation and forcing Islamic norms on its people, including non-Muslims.
In addition to hyperinflation, people are protesting because the Iranian government isn’t protecting women’s rights. All women are forced to wear hijabs under the religious extremist government. In addition, there are few job opportunities for women, and they account for only 14% of the workforce. Under the Iranian Civil Code, husbands can force their wives to stop working if they don’t approve of their job.
The conflict saddens sophomore and second-generation Iranian immigrant Mischa Tabesh and her family, whom they describes as affectionate and hospitable.
“[Iranians are] my people, and my dad’s people,” Tabesh said. “I can tell how much it’s affecting [my dad]. He’s been so stressed out. Sometimes I see him and my whole family crying for the children and everybody who was killed.”
Sophomore Mori Dehtan believes awareness needs to be raised about Iran in general.
“There’s been kids who I’ve talked to [that when I tell them] I’m half Iranian, they’re like, ‘What’s Iran?’” Dehtan said. “If you raise awareness about one person, a thousand other people will be aware of it.”
Iranian senior Cameron Mirzakhalili believes the protests are necessary for change.
“I’m happy that the protests are happening in the first place, because they’re needed,” Mirzakhalili said. “The government isn’t always right.”
Tabesh believes that Lincoln students have a part to play in helping the people of Iran.
“We need education to fight against oppression,” Tabesh said.