Hundreds of people gathered in Paris on Sunday to demonstrate their support for women’s rights and the opposition in Iran, marking the two-year anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death. The 22-year-old Iranian Kurd’s tragic death in custody, after being arrested for allegedly breaching Iran’s stringent dress code, catalyzed widespread protests against the country’s religious authorities.
The march, organized by approximately 20 human rights organizations, saw a diverse crowd rallying under the “Women, Life, Freedom” banner. Participants included activists and those personally affected by the Iranian regime’s actions, such as Benjamin Briere and Louis Arnaud, two Frenchmen who had been detained in Iran.
Chirinne Ardakani, a Franco-Iranian lawyer and member of the “Iran Justice” collective, emphasized the significance of the ongoing struggle. “The sacrifices made by Iranians opposed to the regime are not in vain,” Ardakani told AFP. “We’ve witnessed a transformation in Iran, moving from a strictly patriarchal society to one where there is substantial support for women’s rights.”
The solidarity march was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and ongoing challenges faced by those advocating for freedom and justice in Iran. It coincided with a hunger strike by 34 women in a Tehran prison, who are marking the anniversary of Amini’s death.
Benjamin Briere and Louis Arnaud, who were arrested and held in Iran under questionable circumstances, also participated in the march. Briere was released in May 2023, and Arnaud followed in June. Arnaud, addressing the crowd for the first time since his release, expressed his profound respect for those continuing to fight for freedom, despite his own suffering in Iranian detention.
Despite the global outcry and international pressure, the Iranian regime’s crackdown on protests was severe. Amnesty International reported that security forces used assault rifles and shotguns against demonstrators, resulting in at least 551 deaths. Thousands more were arrested during the brutal suppression of the protests.
Sources By Agencies
