Iran Outrage Continues

On June 12, 2009, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was re-elected president of Iran causing worldwide protests as Iranians disagreed with the outcome and honesty of the election. Given the country’s sordid history of conflict and suppression, this critical election urged Iranians to vote for the opposing candidate, Mir Hussein Moussavi. But officials claimed Ahmadinejad won at least 60% of the vote, encouraging tens of thousands of Iranians to protest in Tehran alone. The protests in the nation’s capital mark one the biggest demonstrations since the country’s revolution in 1979.

On June 12, 2009, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was re-elected president of Iran causing worldwide protests as Iranians disagreed with the outcome and honesty of the election. Given the country’s sordid history of conflict and suppression, this critical election urged Iranians to vote for the opposing candidate, Mir Hussein Moussavi. But officials claimed Ahmadinejad won at least 60% of the vote, encouraging tens of thousands of Iranians to protest in Tehran alone. The protests in the nation’s capital mark one the biggest demonstrations since the country’s revolution in 1979.

Unfortunately, Iran’s police and militia have taken to the streets as well, turning violent and killing at least 17 as of today, including Neda Agha-Soltan, whose last moments were recorded on video and streamed around the world. Neda’s death resonates with the Iranian women as the country has always struggled with women’s equal rights. Additionally, Ahmadinejad’s role represents a regression in the women’s movement, whereas his opposing candidate, Moussavi represented a step in a progressive direction.

As conflict ensues, support from around the world continues. In Chicago on Saturday, June 20, Iranian-Americans gathered in Chicago’s Daley Plaza in show of support as well. For more information and coverage, we encourage you to visit the New York Times, BBC, The Guardian,and Huffington Post.