Here in Tehran, the protesters grow bolder by the day

Despite the brutal crackdown in Iran that has killed more than 150 people and resulted in the arrest of thousands, including intellectuals, artists, bloggers, and even soccer players, with constant threats from the government, still people are joining the ranks of protesters. Their voices are being heard, gathering more support for the uprising.

Although the current protests and revolutionary movement erupted with the cruel killing of Mahsa Amini in police custody for not wearing a proper hijab three weeks ago, there were many causes for the ever-increasing anger and opposition to the government. The current movement gets momentum from a vast range of demands, protests, crisis, and suppressed rights. It has one objective: a national and democratic revolution.

Kurdish women hold portraits Mahsa Amini, during a protest condemning her death in Iran, in Qamishli, northern Syria.Credit: AP

With this new revolution, we seek to achieve a society and government in which women’s rights are guaranteed. Women and young girls’ presence in the protests is so prominent that some call it a “women’s revolution”. Women are treated as second-class citizens in Iran, with their rights violated in every aspect of their lives. Footage released this week shows Iranian women defiantly removing their headscarves as they march in the country’s streets. But hijab and mandatory headscarves are just a part of that suppression, not the whole issue.

This revolution wants to overthrow laws that discriminate against women and violate their rights, and it cannot be limited to removing headscarves alone. Itgoes beyond this, as it seeks equal rights and opportunities for men and women.

Iranians are trying to start a new era so that their environment is saved from the doomed fate it is sentenced to under the Islamic Republic. Urmia Lake is wiped off the maps, lagoons are being destroyed, most rivers are dry, forests are on fire, pollution is killing people and animals, and those who protest against government inactivity are in jails. We want a government that cares about the environment, especially because Iran has always been a dry country and needs more care and attention, professional help, and reliance on wisdom and experience.

The 1979 revolution slogan said: “Not Eastern, Not Western, Only the Islamic Republic.” Islamic Republic’s foreign policy was supposed to be based on this slogan that conveys independence and fighting for the nation’s national interest. But in reality, what is happening is contrary to that slogan. Iran’s foreign policy serves only the interests of Russia and China and moves only towards creating destabilisation and chaos in neighbouring countries and the Middle East.

Iranian people want a new foreign policy that is based on Iran’s national interest, does not intervene in other countries’ domestic affairs, which cuts ties with any terrorist organisations around the world, condemns the Russian war raging in Eastern Europe, and seeks to expand peace, co-operation, human rights, and mutual respect in the region.

We want to have a normal relationship with the world, without the nuclear crisis, the ongoing negotiations, and sanctions; we want to be a regular player in the international society, not a rogue government threatening world peace.

Pro-government demonstrators wave Iranian flags during their rally condemning recent anti-government protests over the death of Mahsa Amini.Credit: AP

Iranians are tired of the long-prevailing kakistocracy in all aspects of their life in Iran. This sickness has spread to all areas and aspects of political, social, and economic life. We are trying to overthrow this system that relies on loyalty instead of expertise, experience, knowledge and wisdom. We want a meritocracy in all aspects of life, to see eligible managers, directors, presidents, and congressmen and women running our country.

We want a healthy democracy. This revolution seeks to establish a government that protects all beliefs and religions in expressing their ideas while not forcing any view on its people or letting anyone do that.

The horrible economic situation in Iran multiplies the opposition and gives it more momentum. The financial crisis is so bad that even the traditional supporters of the regime are joining the protesters. People are convinced that a new government needs to be established, a system built on the ashes of the current one.

Revolutionaries in Iran seek a healthy economy and a free market without the Revolutionary Guard Corps and government-linked mafia devouring the economy. We want our economy to join the international world and thrive. That is possible with the educated workforce, energy, resources, and the right government to handle it.

This revolutionary movement’s slogan, “WOMEN, LIFE, FREEDOM”, is the most illustrative and illuminating I have ever seen. It has all the objectives of the movement, as it seeks to bring back women’s dignity and basic rights, create a decent life for all people, and guarantee the freedom and democracy Iran has long sought.