Episode 2: September Protests ft. Séamus Malekafzali
Sep 30, 2022
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Independent journalist Séamus Malekafzali joins to discuss the September protests in Iran sparked by the suspicious death of a woman arrested for failing to observe the Islamic dress code. They explore the history of the mandatory veil law, compare the protests to previous mass movements in Iran, and analyze the evolving demands of the protesters. They also delve into the government's response, the stance on sanctions, and the involvement of Western celebrities.
The recent protests in Iran, sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, have gone beyond just the issue of the mandatory hijab, with demonstrators calling for the downfall of the Islamic Republic.
The mandatory veiling laws in Iran were initially implemented to combat westernization, but shifting attitudes due to exposure to global society have led to increased opposition towards them.
Deep dives
Overview of the Protests in Iran
The podcast episode discusses the recent wave of protests in Iran, sparked by the death of Masah Amini, a Kurdish woman who was detained by the morality police for violating the dress code. The protests have focused on the mandatory veiling laws and have grown beyond just the issue of the hijab, with demonstrators calling for the downfall of the Islamic Republic. The response from the Iranian government has included denial and crackdowns, while Western media and some figures, such as Maseelah Nejad, have portrayed the protests in a controversial and sometimes misleading light.
Historical Context of the Mandatory Veiling Laws
The podcast explores the reasons behind the support for the mandatory veiling laws in Iran after the revolution. It explains that the laws were initially seen as a way to combat westernization and cultural infiltration. However, over the years, Iran has undergone cultural changes, including increased exposure to global society through satellite TV and economic liberalization. This has led to a shift in attitudes towards the mandatory veiling laws, with more Iranians opposing them now.
Comparison to Previous Protests and Movements
The podcast discusses the current protests in Iran in comparison to previous mass protests, such as the 2009 Green Movement and the 2019 fuel protests. While each movement has its own unique characteristics, the current protests stand out due to the convergence of middle-class and working-class demonstrators, as well as the targeting of local government buildings. However, the podcast acknowledges that the government's response and the level of threat to the system differ from previous protests.
US and European Response and Influence
The podcast examines the response of the Biden administration and European allies to the protests in Iran. While some statements have been made in support of the protesters, there have been no concrete actions taken. The podcast also addresses the influence of Iranian diaspora figures, such as Masi Alinejad, who has been criticized for her ties to US government-funded media and her advocacy for maximum pressure on Iran. It highlights the misguided narratives and portrayals in Western media that sometimes oversimplify and misrepresent the motivations and goals of the protesters.
On September 16th, a 22-year-old Iranian woman named Mahsa Amini died in Tehran after being arrested for failing to observe the Islamic dress code. Many Iranians suspected that Amini was fatally wounded by Iranian police during her detention, and the news of her death sparked mass protests against the country's mandatory hijab law as well as against the Islamic Republic in general. We invited our friend Séamus Malekafzali, an independent journalist who specializes in the politics of the region, to discuss the ongoing protests and their implications.
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