Darvish Intelligence: Iran: "Why My People Are Rising—And Why One Brave Student’s Protest Against the Hijab Is a Battle for Every Iranian Soul"

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Iran: "Why My People Are Rising—And Why One Brave Student’s Protest Against the Hijab Is a Battle for Every Iranian Soul"

Iran: "Why My People Are Rising—And Why One Brave Student’s Protest Against the Hijab Is a Battle for Every Iranian Soul"

By Bobby Darvish
darvishintelligence.blogspot.com

In the heart of Iran, a young woman recently vanished after boldly stripping off her hijab in protest, setting off a surge of alarm and anguish among the Iranian populace and their allies worldwide. Her disappearance represents a critical juncture in the ongoing struggle for freedom in Iran, particularly for women who bear the brunt of oppressive, theocratic laws.

Growing up in Iran, I saw firsthand how young women were forced into submission, draped in black, in the heat of the desert, their identities hidden beneath layers of fabric. These women and girls are not just resisting a piece of clothing—they are fighting against a system that seeks to erase their voices, agency, and lives. This brave student’s act was a cry for freedom and a refusal to bow to the continued tyranny of Iran's Islamic government. As an ex-Muslim, I know the struggles of Iranian women all too well; they are fighting not only for their personal freedoms but for a fundamental shift in our society, one that transcends mere policy or political discourse.

The Hijab in Iran: A Symbol of Control and Suppression

In 1979, the Islamic Republic institutionalized mandatory hijab laws as a means of imposing its vision of a “moral” society. But what many do not realize is that the hijab represents a deeper strategy: to subjugate and control women, keeping them as second-class citizens, subject to the whims of theocratic elites. Iranian authorities have justified this mandate by claiming it "protects" women's dignity and "preserves" social order. Yet in reality, it only preserves the power of those who fear free women, and, by extension, a free society.

The hijab protests are not new; they’re an ongoing movement, stemming from decades of courage by Iranian women willing to endure harassment, arrest, and even torture. This latest protest by the missing student builds on this legacy of defiance. The question we must ask is, where is this young woman now, and why does her government fear her so much?

The Current Crisis and the Silent Atrocities

Witness accounts and footage show the woman defiantly stripping her hijab in a crowded public square, an act that took immense courage in a country where morality police lurk at every corner. Soon after, she was reportedly taken by Iranian authorities and hasn’t been seen since. Her fate is unfortunately too common in a country where individuals who challenge the state simply disappear.

The Islamic Republic employs a vast network of surveillance and informants, making it nearly impossible for dissenters to remain safe. It is crucial to remember that these actions are not isolated but part of a broader scheme. Just last year, Iran’s morality police were documented brutalizing 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, whose death sparked global outrage. The world briefly paid attention, but these tragic incidents are frequent, often fading from public memory as Iran suppresses the truth and silences those who dare to speak out.

The Courage of Young Iranians and the Battle for National Identity

For Iranians, particularly women, these protests are not mere demands for legal reform; they are an assertion of personal and national identity. Our ancient Persian heritage cherished beauty, art, and individual expression. Women were once revered as leaders and scholars. The hijab represents the erasure of this heritage, a shroud over a proud history and the individuality of every Iranian woman.

Despite the risk, young Iranians continue to stand up, revealing the resilience of their spirits. What compels them? It is a love for freedom so strong that it outweighs the fear of persecution. As an Iranian-American, I stand in awe of these women’s bravery. They embody what many of us in the diaspora can only hope to support from afar.

Why the World Should Care

To my fellow Americans, I say this: the fight of the Iranian people is not a distant political issue; it’s a fight for the universal values of liberty, dignity, and human rights. The Islamic Republic’s crackdown on its own citizens—especially young women like this student—is a blatant reminder that tyranny anywhere is a threat to freedom everywhere. If we remain silent, we are complicit in allowing another life to disappear into the void of oppressive regimes.

The Call for Global Solidarity

This young woman’s protest was not merely a symbolic act; it was a call to action for all freedom-loving people across the world. If she remains missing, her absence will become a painful reminder of the high stakes of this struggle. It is crucial that we amplify her story and the stories of countless other Iranians who have been silenced.

International support and pressure have the potential to challenge the Islamic Republic’s oppressive actions. Activists and governments worldwide should work to hold Iran accountable for its treatment of dissidents. Every voice raised in solidarity is a voice that chips away at the regime's control. We must not allow this woman’s courage, and that of all Iranian women, to vanish into the shadows.

As an ex-Muslim and a Christian, I urge my readers to recognize the profound need for prayer, advocacy, and tangible support for those fighting this battle. Iran’s future—our shared future—depends on the bravery of individuals who dare to imagine a world where Iranians are no longer silenced, oppressed, or disappeared.