Image Source: Getty / Leigh Vogel
Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are celebrating International Day of the Girl with a well timed commendation. The former president and first girl shared a statement on Oct. 11 praising the Iranian ladies and ladies presently concerned in demonstrations happening each on-line and on the bottom. “We stand in solidarity with the brave Iranian ladies and ladies who’ve impressed the world by their ongoing protests,” the assertion learn.
The Obamas expressed being “in awe” of those that have joined the reignited battle for girls’s rights in Iran. They mentioned, “The rights they search are common: equality, the flexibility to make their very own decisions about how they appear and costume and categorical their identities, and the liberty to take action with out going through harassment, intimidation, and violence.”
Protests in Iran started following the dying of Mahsa Amini whereas in police custody in Tehran on Sept. 16. Just earlier than her dying, the 22-year-old was detained by the designated “morality police” for allegedly violating hijab rules. Officials declare she collapsed and fell right into a coma after arriving on the detention heart, but it surely’s since come to gentle that she doubtless suffered extreme mind trauma.
“We are moved by your acts of protest.”
In the weeks since, individuals have taken to the streets regardless of the specter of police violence. Many ladies are publicly chopping their hair or burning the hijab to make a degree in regards to the significance of alternative in modest coaching. A social media motion can also be underway, and one hashtag, amongst many, loosely interprets to, “You won’t ever stroll alone.” Directly addressing protestors, the Obamas mentioned, “We are moved by your acts of protest, and bear witness to your bravery in going through down the brutality of a regime resisting requires change. You are delivering a strong message that injustice shouldn’t be tolerated.”
The Obamas ended their assertion writing, “There are certainly troublesome days forward, and our hearts exit to those that have tragically misplaced loves ones in Iran. But we imagine that the longer term will finally belong to the younger ladies and ladies of Iran who’re refusing to be silent. You remind us that true energy comes not from clinging to the previous, however from the hassle to construct a greater future.”
This acknowledgment comes per week after President Joe Biden mentioned the United States would maintain accountable the officers accountable and assist facilitate unrestricted web entry for Iranians. “I stay gravely involved about studies of the intensifying violent crackdown on peaceable protestors in Iran, together with college students and ladies, who’re demanding their equal rights and fundamental human dignity,” he said in a statement. “The United States stands with Iranian ladies and all of the residents of Iran who’re inspiring the world with their bravery.”
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