In view of the execution of young people in Iran, the question arises: is enough being done to halt the country’s rulers in their tracks? Yes, there was public outrage at the brutal repression of street protests, but as these continued and the authorities’ hands became increasingly heavy, has enough been done?
And what of another issue: Iran is said to supply Putin with weapons to destroy Ukrainian infrastructure. Is that not a reason for governments to consider intervening?
The protest for “freedom,” mainly by the young, had begun with a demo led by women who were angry at the death of the 22-year-old Iranian Kurd Mahsa Amini in October while in police custody. She had been detained for “improperly wearing the hijab.” This sparked off-street protests, which are still ongoing. The death toll rose as the authorities reacted with beatings, shootings, and since last December, when the first known execution of a protester became known, with brief trials and executions. Activists have said there have been reports of tortured confessions and unfair court procedures. Human rights organizations have warned of more of the same! One report said the security forces had killed some 481 people, among them 64 children. It is thought that 109 people face possible execution. In addition, Iran has a history of “disappearances.”
The religious rulers maintain that outside forces are responsible for the uprisings, with the aim of internationalizing it.
Amazing how long the protest by the mainly young has lasted! Instead of scaring young people, the recent executions sparked university protests. Such courage is laudable, as is the international and verbal support.
The US President, Joe Biden, has declared the nuclear agreement—the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action of 2015—to be dead. Germany has said that business as usual is not possible. Since the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has been meddling in Syria, Lebanon, and other places, Holland has asked the EU to label it a terrorist group.
A lengthy interview in “Esquire” detailed the decade-long history and the religious rulers’ efforts to portray the hijab as a symbol of female purity. The protests took place as most Iranians bore the brunt of the ruined economy and the partial result of UDS sanctions, while those close to the corrupt regime enjoyed a privileged life.
Western nations led by the US could initiate a UN resolution to condemn Iran. However, given the current friendly relations between Russia and Iran, Russia is likely to veto this. Nonetheless, it would show Teheran that it has become the polecat of the world.