Support for Mahsa Amini and Protesters in Iran and Worldwide

October 18, 2022

KINGSTON, ON – Following the unjust death of 22-year-old Iranian woman Mahsa Amini, protests have erupted throughout Iran and worldwide. Spearheading the protests, Iranian women have been removing their hijabs and cutting their hair publicly, directly targeting the compulsory hijab law. Although these protests are a direct response to Mahsa’s death, they are also a part of the larger Iranian Democracy Movement. This ongoing movement is in opposition of the radical Iranian government and rejects the theocratic political structure. As protests intensify, police presence has risen, resulting in the deaths of around 240 protesters. Many of the fatalities were students and young adults from local Iranian universities.

Mahsa was killed in police custody after being arrested for wearing her hijab too loose. Her murder speaks to the ongoing mistreatment and oppression that women are forced to endure.

The AMS stands in solidarity with Mahsa Amini, the citizens of Iran, and the protesters who are risking their lives for freedom. No person deserves to have their basic human rights violated. Additionally, we condemn the police presence and the violence that is being used by police as a response to the protests.

As students at Queen’s University, we have the privilege of free thought, free speech, and freedom of education without limitations. For many students worldwide, they do not receive the same privileges. Protesters in Iran are being killed for standing up against the oppression of the citizens in their country at the hands of the Iranian Regime; they are being killed for their thoughts, their speech, and their education. Universities should exist as a safe space for all students, no matter what intersections of identity one holds.

Furthermore, the AMS wants to express support for the Iranian community at Queen’s. We encourage all Queen’s students to educate themselves on the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the oppression that Iranians have since faced. Below is a list of resources to both support the cause and learn about the ongoing fight for freedom in Iran.

https://www.amnesty.org/en/petition/end-the-protest-bloodshed-in-iran/

https://iranhumanrights.org/

https://www.gofundme.com/f/FreeIranCallForMedia

 

 

Please direct all media inquiries to Cassie Luk, AMS Director of Communications, at    

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