The Iranian people, once a proud and prosperous nation, are struggling to get their freedom back. Thirty one years have passed since the autocratic shah of Iran was overthrown, but his regime was substituted by one much worse that used something as sacred as religion to stay in power and justify its actions. The Islamic Revolution, as it is known, was a step back in Iran’s, or Persia’s, history. But it has been now, three decades later, that the people have realized the oppression they are victims of.
The rigged elections that took place eight months ago where the starting point of the “Green Revolution” (“Where is my vote?” the asked). This movement, followed mainly, although not exclusively, by students, aims to achieve freedoms and civil rights which do not exist in Iran. Even though the leader of this “revolution,” Mir Hossein Musavi, would be considered rather, if not very, conservative from a Western point of view, it represents hope for Iran.
The violence used by the pro-government militias in suppressing the “green demonstrations” is a proof of the methods used by the regime lead by the populist dictator Mahmud Ahmadineyad, who is the country’s prime minister, and Ali Khamenei, the tough and intransigent Supreme Leader. These people use Islam for their own benefit; to curb liberties and to govern the country with an iron fist. People who oppose them can easily end up in jail. It is no wonder why one of the chants of the demonstrators is “death to the dictator.” There is no freedom of speech in Iran; there is hardly any freedom of thought. The proud Iranian woman, who under the shah’s regime enjoyed a large number of liberties, is one of the main victims of this vicious dictatorship. However, some Iranians have woken up.
Freedom, democracy and reforms; this is what the people are asking for. Instead they get beaten up, arrested and killed (as what happened to the 27-year-old student Neda Agha-soltan). The Green Movement is not perfect, even if they succeed they will probably do within the frame of the Islamic Republic, the theocracy will most likely remain but vital liberties could be achieved. Although it would be a great leap forward if the whole system of the Islamic Republic was brought down. The current system has symptoms of those ailing regimes which are close to the tomb, although it will be an enormously difficult task to kill it. There is something going on in Iran, something that was impossible to think about a few years ago. Part of the Iranian society is mobilizing, are we on the verge of a true revolution?
The courage of those Iranian students who go to demonstrations is admirable. They know they can be arrested, beaten up, tortured or killed, but their will is unbreakable. They risk their lives to bring down a dictatorship dressed as an “Islamic democracy.” It is thanks to those youngsters that the Green Movement is growing stronger day by day, it is them who put up a fight. Nevertheless, the impetus of these months should continue, Iran has an historic chance to choose the right path. Until then, innocent people will continue to suffer under the oppressive rule of a rotten system. The video of Neda’s death (check out youtube if you have not seen it) is a reminder of what is happening. I therefore support the Iranian Green Movement and those people who fight and sacrifice their lives for the sake of freedom and democracy.
