Why did the name Mahsa become a symbol
Why did the name Mahsa become a symbol? Last Tuesday, when Mahsa Amini was traveling with her brother from Karaj to Tehran by metro, she couldn’t have imagined that this journey with no return would turn her into a symbol of a nationwide protest movement, to the extent that her name became a symbol not only in Iran but around the world.
It is said that the unity that has emerged following this event is even deeper and more serious than the events of 2019. The situation has reached a point where Ebi and Dariush, two singers residing in the USA, have issued a protest call for a gathering in front of the UN, coinciding with Ebrahim Raisi’s speech. Iranians living in other countries and even continents, such as Turkey, Canada, and Australia, are holding protest gatherings, and political leaders and artists from various countries are speaking out and issuing statements against what has happened in Iran.
Woman, Life, Freedom
To the extent that some media outlets have used the term ‘endless reactions to the death of Mahsa Amini.’ These reactions continue even a week after Mahsa Amini’s death. It seems that the trend of the hashtag Mahsa Amini reaching millions on Twitter in recent days has been very effective in attracting the attention of global media and, consequently, the international community.
The start of these protests, which are in reaction to the morality police and mandatory hijab, has led many analysts to conclude that women will play a fundamental role in Iran’s future political and social changes. They believe that women are currently at the forefront of these protests. Khashayar Dehimi, a translator and writer in the field of philosophy and politics, wrote that all the political slogans of recent years smelled of 1979, but the slogan ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ is a new and different slogan that suits our times.
Simultaneously with the start of street protests in various cities of Iran, which include images and videos of women especially confronting the police, burning headscarves and shawls, and accompanying dances and celebrations, destruction of police vehicles, and police beatings, images of police and plainclothes forces attacking with batons and shooting at people are also being published. Additionally, news indicates injuries and deaths of several people in various cities.
World leaders’ reactions
The President of Chile spoke about Mahsa Amini at the UN today. Gabriel Boric, who is leftist, was the first world leader to mention Mahsa’s name at the UN General Assembly and called for an end to violence against women in Iran. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also asked Iran to pay attention to women’s street protests on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
She said that women’s voices need to be heard because they are demanding rights that people everywhere should have. Macron also met with Raisi and said that in this meeting he insisted on the necessity of respecting women’s rights in Iran, although some social media users have questioned the overall meeting and attacked Macron for it.
Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly also condemned Mahsa Amini’s death on Twitter, stating that her heart is with her loved ones and the women of Iran. She wrote that Canada demands a full and transparent investigation into her death. She further wrote that we urge Iran to end all forms of harassment and discrimination against women and to respect the right to peaceful protest.
The Acting High Commissioner for Human Rights at the UN has said that the tragic death of Mahsa Amini and the allegations of torture and mistreatment of her must be swiftly, impartially, and effectively investigated by independent competent authorities.
Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, also said that according to some reports, two to five people have been killed in protests condemning the death of this young woman. This UN official has expressed concern about the laws regarding mandatory hijab in Iran.
US Secretary of State Blinken addressed Iran, saying to end the harassment of women. The European Union also condemned this death, calling it an unacceptable event. Former US State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus criticized the 72-hour delay by Biden’s Secretary of State in condemning Mahsa Amini’s death, stating that world leaders should warn the Islamic Republic about killing people.
US Secretary of State Blinken addressed Iran
آزار و اذیت زنان را پایان دهید
Strong support from Turkish artists
Meanwhile, the support from foreign artists for Iranian women has been notable. American actress Leah Remini was the first famous foreign artist to react to Mahsa’s death, which became a Twitter trend. She asked Twitter users to join her in sharing Mahsa Amini’s name and story. Famous American model Bella Hadid also expressed sympathy with Mahsa’s family by posting a picture of Mahsa on her Instagram page, writing that Mahsa did not deserve such a death.
American actress Sharon Stone also wrote on her Instagram page, ‘Please keep your hands off our bodies.’ American actor Misha Collins said, ‘Iranian women, be brave and stay strong. The world stands with you.’ Famous Instagram influencer Khaby Lame also posted Mahsa’s picture, writing, ‘If you live on Earth and stay silent, you can never talk about women’s rights again.’
However, among all, the support from Turkish artists has been the most prominent. Turkish singer Ebru Gündeş posted the hashtag Mahsa Amini on Twitter and displayed Mahsa’s photo on her Instagram. Turkish actress Eda Ece said, ‘I support the women of Iran.’ Another Turkish actor, Gökhan Alkan, posted both the Persian and English hashtag Mahsa Amini, writing, ‘Do something for Iran.’
Turkish artist Burcu Biricik, actress of the series ‘The Girl Behind the Window,’ also expressed sympathy with Iranians by posting images of Mahsa Amini. Turkish writer Elif Shafak also posted Mahsa’s picture on her Instagram, writing, ‘I don’t know what to write out of sheer sadness. My heart aches and is filled with anger and sorrow.’ Turkish singers Gülben Ergen and Hadise, along with Turkish writer Nevzat Çelik, have had similar reactions.