DURHAM, N.C. — At least eight people were injured after a fire broke out at a prison in Iran’s capital last week, a building believed to house mostly political dissidents. It’s now also five weeks into anti-government protests, sweeping the Middle East nation.
The protests started after Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman, died in the custody of Iran’s morality police. She was reportedly detained for allegedly wearing a hijab incorrectly. Now almost 7,000 miles away, students at Duke University are showing their support for those struggling in the country.
What You Need To Know
At least eight people were injured after a fire broke out at an Iranian prison where mostly political dissidents are housed
Iranians have been protesting since Mahsa Amini died in the custody of the country’s morality police
Students with Duke University’s Persian Student Association spray painted messages on a tunnel to raise awareness for the situation
There’s a tunnel on Duke’s campus that serves as a canvas for self-expression.
“This is prime real estate, we’re hoping. You’re riding the bus and you pass right by,” said Rosa Golchin, the vice president of Duke University’s Persian Student Association. “It’s not a lot. It is just spray paint, but if it just gets people thinking while they are passing by on the bus, I’d be happy.”
On Wednesday, Golchin added a message to the tunnel: Zan, Zendegi, Azadi.
The phrase translates to “Woman, Life, Freedom” and Golchin wrote it in Farsi, a language spoken in Iran.
“This has become the rallying cry for the movement. It’s like the slogan,” Golchin said.
She and other members of Duke’s Persian Student Association are trying to bring awareness to what’s going on in Iran. One of Golchin’s family members took a video of protesters in Iran a few weeks ago and shared it with her.
“The most shocking thing has been that teenage girls have been leading this, younger than me,” Golchin said.
People are taking to the streets and risking their own safety by protesting.
“I think that’s what’s been a really important part of this movement is it’s the right to choose. It’s not saying we are against the hijab. It’s not saying we are against Islam. We are against this being imposed on us, and it’s an important thing to consider when respecting religious freedom. It goes from every angle,” Golchin said.
Internet access is very restricted in Iran, so videos of the movement are hard to come by, which is another reason why something as simple as some spray paint can go a long way.
“A lot of this movement has been sort of convincing people that social media is effective. It’s not hollow. We do appreciate it, and it is valid. Obviously you don’t want to see it end there. Seeing people protest and call their representatives, that is the next logical step, but it does start with just having awareness,” Golchin said.
"As Diaspora Iranian Americans, we feel like we sort of have to show our support in more subtle ways. Obviously, we can’t sort of take to the streets the same way they are in Iran, but we definitely feel that responsibility. These are people that are our age, these are our cousins, our friends. We have to do something to support them," Golchin said.
As she learns more about the protests, Golchin says this moment is just one reason she’s proud to be Iranian.
“Definitely don’t take Iranian women for being weak. Even though they are oppressed and not allowed to do certain things without their husbands' approval or all of that. There have been so many signs of resilience in spite of that, that I think if anything they are some of the strongest people that I’ve ever met,” Golchin said.
She also hopes this is just the start of the conversation.
“I’m hoping people here in America are in it for the long haul and fighting for justice in every shape that it takes. People who were out on the streets for a Roe v. Wade, I’d love to see you fighting for Iranian women’s rights as well,” Golchin said.
The Persian Student Association also posted a "PSA Statement on Iran" in The Chronicle.