Parham Ghobadi, a BBC Persian service journalist, provides expert insights into Iranian activism. He discusses the aftermath of the tragic death of Mahsa Amini and the subsequent protests, emphasizing the cost of activism through the heartbreaking story of Kianoosh Sanjari. Ghobadi highlights the effects of misinformation and state propaganda on public perception. He also sheds light on the chilling sentences faced by protesters and the ongoing resilience of individuals resisting oppression, despite challenges from the government and societal pressures.
Kianoosh Sanjari's life reflects the brutal realities faced by activists in Iran, ultimately culminating in his tragic suicide as an act of defiance.
Despite a lack of mass protests, individual acts of defiance, particularly among women, highlight ongoing resistance against oppressive cultural norms in Iran.
Deep dives
The Legacy of Kyanush Sanjari
Kyanush Sanjari's journey begins in his teenage years in Iran, where he became involved in protesting against the regime, notably during the student demonstrations in 1999. Over the years, he faced repeated arrests, endured severe mistreatment in prisons, and ultimately sought asylum in the United States, where he worked for various media outlets advocating for human rights. Despite gaining prominence in the Iranian community, he struggled financially and emotionally, grappling with a deep longing for his homeland and the trauma he endured in detention. Tragically, after returning to Iran to be closer to his family, he took his own life, leaving a poignant message about oppression and despair in a regime that denied him peace and safety.
The Plight of Current Protesters
Six Iranian protesters currently face death sentences due to their involvement in demonstrations against regime-supported violence, particularly a violent incident involving a militia member. Investigations reveal serious flaws in their trial process, highlighting how the Iranian judiciary often acts as an extension of the state’s intelligence apparatus to silence dissent. Activists argue that these cases exemplify the broader issue of miscarriage of justice within the Iranian legal system, which frequently subjects defendants to extreme pressure and coercive tactics to secure false confessions. The government's crackdown is seen as a warning to dissuade others from participating in protests, illustrating a systematic effort to undermine the voices calling for freedom and democracy.
Acts of Defiance in Iran Today
Despite the absence of mass protests following the initial wave of demonstrations, individual acts of defiance have become prominent in Iranian society, particularly among women. The visible changes in women's clothing and behavior on the streets signify a cultural shift that challenges longstanding restrictions, indicating that the spirit of protest persists even without organized movements. High-profile acts, such as Ahu Daryayi's demonstration and others' public displays of resistance, have sparked conversations about personal freedom and societal change. However, the absence of a unified opposition or prominent figurehead complicates the struggle, as internal disputes and government manipulation further fragment efforts to drive substantial political change.
In 2022, mass protests erupted in Iran after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody. Those protests dissipated after a fierce crackdown. But individual acts of defiance and stories that tell the cost of activism have been making the headlines in recent weeks.
In this episode, Parham Ghobadi tells Azadeh Moshiri about the life of Kianoosh Sanjari, a young man who faced the brunt of government oppression, and took his own life in an apparent final act of defiance against the regime.
Producers: Richard Moran and Alix Pickles
Sound engineer: Mike Regaard
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
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