As a woman in Iran – Refugees tell
The reason for the protests in Iran is the violent death of a young woman who was arrested by the Islamic moral police because of her clothing. According to Amnesty International, 52 people were recently killed in anti-government demonstrations in the country. At the beginning of October there was also a solidarity rally in Salzburg – 350 people demonstrated against Islamic tyranny and the headscarf or hijab requirement in Iran, including women and men from Iran, Austria and Bavaria. Now two Iranian women who fled to Salzburg describe how dangerous life is in their home country.
Singer faces imprisonment
One of them is the singer Faravaz Farardin – if she had sung in public with her hair down and moved freely, this would have had serious consequences for the young woman. Five years ago, the singer decided to flee her home country. “I always knew I couldn’t give a concert in Iran or sell my albums. But I kept going because it made me happy. At the age of 25 I was arrested for singing, I was threatened with a year in prison,” says Faravaz Farardin.
demand for freedom and rights
In Iran, women are not allowed to ride bicycles, they have to wear a headscarf, and they are not allowed to dance, sing or drink. Since the death of the 22-year-old Iranian, thousands of people have been protesting against the regime, demanding women’s rights and freedom. “If you go to protest, take off your hijab, burn it and face the police, you reckon you could die. But when the regime robs your dreams, it’s like they’re fighting you every day,” says the singer.
As a woman in Iran – Refugees tell
Still afraid of the regime seven years after fleeing
An Iranian mother has been living in Salzburg for seven years – out of fear of the regime, she wants to remain anonymous. She fled because she became pregnant unmarried. “According to Iranian law, it is forbidden to sleep with a man before getting married or to get pregnant by him.” Even in Salzburg, the woman is afraid of the regime, afraid of being recognized and afraid for her family in Iran. “I find this new generation taking to the streets very brave. Up until now I have always been afraid of the regime and the police, but the new generation is saying, either we die or we win.”
Protest movement waiting for support
The protest movement in Iran would also like support from Europe – the demonstrations could be made more of a topic, especially in social media, reveal the two Iranians living in Salzburg. “If there is more pressure from all countries, it will be easier to break the regime,” says Faravaz Farardin.