Iranians in San Diego Become the Voice of the Voiceless
Since the tragic death of Mahsa Amini last September, mass protests have continued in Tehran and other cities across Iran for several months. The peaceful demonstrations were brutally confronted by government forces equipped with pellet guns, batons, and live ammunition. According to human rights organizations and observers, over 500 people have been killed, including women and children. Over 20,000 have been detained. Summary trials are taking place behind closed doors and dozens of people have been sentenced to death; four have already been executed. It seems that the demonstrations have subsided in the past few weeks, but by no means is this the end. The movement is very much alive and will burst again in another opportunity.
Iranians in San Diego, along with expatriates in other major cities in the U.S. and around the world, have been gathering in rallies and street demonstrations almost every weekend to bring the suffering of the Iranian people to the world’s attention. These actions have been very successful in revealing the brutal nature of the government of Iran to local people.
On the fourth anniversary of the downing of the Ukrainian Airline by the revolutionary guard, Iranians and Ukrainians gathered in Solana Beach around a huge symbol of the tragedy, created by a local sand artist. They chanted slogans in support of the revolutionary movement in Iran. These demonstrations were coordinated as a worldwide action, starting in Australia and ending in San Diego.
On Saturday, February 11, the 44th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, thousands of Iranians from California and other adjacent states gathered in Los Angeles. A large group of San Diegans also attended this gathering.
