INTERVIEW || She is a woman and studies law in Tehran, the epicenter of the biggest protests in Iran in several years
Iran is experiencing its biggest protests since the death of Mahsa Amini, which triggered a wave of demonstrations after the morality police beat her for not wearing a scarf. It is from Tehran that a resident tells CNN Portugal what is happening in the country these days.
This young woman, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, is studying Law and is enthusiastic about the current situation in Iran, hoping that times will change, especially because what she sees on the streets is, according to her, a revolution.
In this interview he tells us about his generation, which is on the streets across the country and hopes to be able to build a new Iran.
What city do you live in?
I am a single woman living in Tehran. I am currently studying Law.
What is everyday life like in your city?
Living in the Islamic Republic has its challenges. The economy has collapsed and I live in financial difficulties, not knowing what tomorrow holds for me. There is no stability and I cannot plan the future with certainty. Many people live in constant anxiety and stress because of lack of money and unemployment. I’m lucky because I only need to take care of myself. I feel for the parents who struggle to provide for their families.
Food is expensive, and prices increase daily, sometimes even hourly. Men and women rummage through garbage cans looking for food and this has become common. This in a country full of gas and oil.
Air pollution is another big problem that affects everyone. We suffer from a lack of water and daily blackouts. The regime blames global warming and our “enemies”. Somehow, Israel managed to steal the rain clouds! The reality is that we are suffering because of corruption and poor management by a regime that has no idea how to manage a country, and yet is specialized in exporting terrorism and supplying missiles and weapons to allied groups.
I walk the streets without the obligatory Islamic veil. In this aspect, we managed to repel the regime. But we have no political or social freedom. A friend of mine was arrested and fined for cycling in a park, because women are prohibited from cycling. We live in constant fear and stress of being approached by an overzealous militia. They harass us, insult us and humiliate us in the streets. They threaten us with arrest. In some cases, like a pack of wolves, they surround a girl and push her into a car or secret service van and disappear. Life in Iran is not easy.
Are there any major demonstrations planned?
Demonstrations are happening. It is not a single large demonstration, but rather several demonstrations spread across the city to overwhelm the security forces. The last straw was the collapse of the Iranian currency. The protests – which many if not all Iranians call a national revolution – demand the fall of the Islamic Republic. The people have made it absolutely clear that they want their king back. They call for the return of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. The militias and security forces are ruthless – they fire live ammunition directly into the crowd. They attack the crowd with batons and batons. Many are injured, with broken bones and skull fractures. Many are shot at close range with shotguns. Girls are threatened with sexual violence and rape. They are inhumane. We are all unarmed. Our shield and our weapon are our voice and our slogans against the Islamic regime. We shouted in Persian: “This is the final battle, Pahlavi will return.” We cannot continue to exist as the walking dead under the Islamic Republic. Either we win and overthrow this tyrannical regime, or we will die trying.
How do you young people feel these days?
We are all full of hope. We cannot live without hope. Many young people fell in love with freedom again and will live in our hearts forever. I was informed that more than 1,100 people were arrested. It is certain that they will suffer beatings, torture and sexual violence. Many will be forced to confess falsely, and certainly many will be labeled as Israeli spies or saboteurs. But our spirits are high. We can see the finish line of freedom and the victory of light over darkness. We will win.
How is access to basic services and products?
Many stores and the Grand Bazaar of Tehran have closed and are on strike in support of the revolution. Inflation has soared and many products are now unaffordable except for the regime’s children and families who have government contracts. Most people go to stores to buy basic foods. Prices are so high that bread is now sold in small portions. Meats and luxury foods are inaccessible. Internet access is irregular. The regime slows everything down and sometimes cuts off the internet.
Are you afraid?
I daydream about what my life would be like if I had been born in Germany or England. I also want a normal life. A life of hope and aspirations, joy, love and laughter. I long for a normal life. We cannot continue to live under the dark weight of this regime. Many of my generation say we are the walking dead. So if we’re dead, what do we have to lose?
