The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

3 ways these latest Iran demonstrations are different to past protests

  • Written by Naser Ghobadzadeh, Senior lecturer, National School of Arts, Australian Catholic University
3 ways these latest Iran demonstrations are different to past protests

Once again, Iran is in the midst of political upheaval and civil unrest. The latest protests, triggered by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini after her arrest by the morality police, follow several[1] other protests[2] that have occurred in Iran over recent years.

So what is new about this latest round of demonstrations? Here are three key ways these protests are different.

Read more: Iran protest at enforced hijab sparks online debate and feminist calls for action across Arab world[3]

1. Public support for these protests appears higher and more widespread

At the crux of the latest demonstrations is Iran’s morality police, which is tasked with enforcing strict codes around dress and behaviour.

The morality police arrested Mahsa Amini earlier this month, saying she was wearing her hijab too loosely. She subsequently died. Her family say[4] she was beaten (a claim rejected by the government and police).

Mahsa Amini, a 22 year old girl, was detained on 13 September by the police unit responsible for enforcing Iran's strict dress code for women. Amini was declared dead on 16 September, after she spent 3 days in a coma. Protests soon broke out.
Mahsa Amini, 22, was detained by the police unit responsible for enforcing Iran’s strict dress code for women. EPA/ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH

Whatever transpired, the Amini case has triggered a groundswelling of public anger around the behaviour of the morality police, with protesters demanding women be given the right to choose what to wear.

The anger this diverse group feels over government interference in people’s personal decisions has found a fitting platform in the present protests.

Since the early 1980s, when the ruling clergy consolidated power by eliminating opposition groups, social regulation and strict rules around lifestyle have formed the crux of their policies.

Government meddling in the private lives of its citizens was once far more pervasive, extensive, and stringent. For example, homes were searched for VCRs[5] and satellite dishes[6].

In time, such restrictions were relaxed (to some degree). For women, however, the rules remain highly discriminatory. Government dos and don’ts are still heavily enforced. The Iranian government persists in denying women their fundamental rights[7]; the debate over the headscarf and women’s dress is just one visible manifestation of this.

Apart from being demeaning and degrading, these regulations make day-to-day living extremely difficult for a great number of women who do not agree with the clergy.

Today, it’s hard to find someone in Iran who hasn’t been harassed at least once by the ruling clergy in some way.

That is why, compared to previous demonstrations in Iran, the number of people who support the current protests appears quite high and widespread. Protests are underway in cities large and small, neighbourhoods rich and poor.

2. The latest protests are led by women

Unlike previous protests in Iran, women are at the forefront of the demonstrations[8].

Women’s rights are at the centre of these protests, while previous protests have focused more on economic or broader political issues.

The government’s intrusion into citizens – especially women citizen’s – private lives is the source of the demonstrations this time around. It has proved difficult so far, for the government to explain their policies in a way that is convincing for many people.

3. The courage shown during these demonstrations is unprecedented

All protest comes at enormous personal risk in Iran. But these latest protesters have done some unusually brave things. The courage shown by protesters is unprecedented.

Some women have removed their headscarves in the street or set them on fire[9]. Some have cut their hair in public.

Many videos appear to show anti-riot police failing to disperse the crowd, and even protesters occasionally pushing back police[10].

The scale of the demonstrations and the degree of anger[11] among these latest protestors is unusual.

Will these protests bring lasting change?

It is too early to say. Iran’s leaders have shown time and time again they are not interested in yielding to popular demands.

The Iranian leadership may fear appeasing protesters would just encourage further demands and may even trigger their downfall.

And while the latest demonstrations are widespread, they are also dispersed.

There is no guarantee the different demonstrations underway in various cities will be able to coalesce around a single, coherent movement.

The demonstrations are also hampered by the absence of a cohesive leadership and, it would seem, any kind of methodical organisation.

Whether or not these demonstrations result in significant change, they have undoubtedly come at a cost to Iran’s ruling clergy.

Perhaps the most significant of these costs is the effect these protests have had on the already dwindling legitimacy of the Islamic Republic[12], both domestically and internationally.

Read more: Iran on fire: Once again, women are on the vanguard of transformative change[13]

References

  1. ^ several (www.amnesty.org)
  2. ^ protests (www.washingtonpost.com)
  3. ^ Iran protest at enforced hijab sparks online debate and feminist calls for action across Arab world (theconversation.com)
  4. ^ say (iranhumanrights.org)
  5. ^ VCRs (figshare.com)
  6. ^ satellite dishes (www.rferl.org)
  7. ^ denying women their fundamental rights (www.ohchr.org)
  8. ^ women are at the forefront of the demonstrations (www.nytimes.com)
  9. ^ set them on fire (www.bbc.com)
  10. ^ pushing back police (www.vice.com)
  11. ^ degree of anger (www.theguardian.com)
  12. ^ dwindling legitimacy of the Islamic Republic (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  13. ^ Iran on fire: Once again, women are on the vanguard of transformative change (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/3-ways-these-latest-iran-demonstrations-are-different-to-past-protests-191418

The Times Features

Fast, Fun, And Fantastic Looking Gel Polish For Your Nails!

Today's women spend a lot of time and money on their beauty and fashion regime because they love looking their very best! Looking good makes you feel good, and let's face it, it...

Energy-Efficient Roof Restoration Trends to Watch in Sydney

As climate consciousness rises and energy costs soar, energy-efficient roof restoration has become a significant focus in Sydney. Whether you're renovating an old roof or enhan...

Brisbane Water Bill Savings: Practical Tips to Reduce Costs

Brisbane residents have been feeling the pinch as water costs continue to climb. With increasing prices, it's no wonder many households are searching for ways to ease the burde...

Exploring Hybrid Heating Systems for Modern Homes

Consequently, energy efficiency as well as sustainability are two major considerations prevalent in the current market for homeowners and businesses alike. Hence, integrated heat...

Are Dental Implants Right for You? Here’s What to Think About

Dental implants are now among the top solutions for those seeking to replace and improve their teeth. But are dental implants suitable for you? Here you will find out more about ...

Sunglasses don’t just look good – they’re good for you too. Here’s how to choose the right pair

Australians are exposed to some of the highest levels[1] of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the world. While we tend to focus on avoiding UV damage to our skin, it’s impor...

Times Magazine

The Future of Smartphones: Embracing Sustainability with Refurbished iPhones

Are you ready to revolutionize the way we use smartphones? In a world driven by technology, it's time for us to shift our focus towards sustainability. Say hello to refurbished iPhones - the game-changer that combines cutting-edge features with e...

Temporary Solar Lights: A Portable and Eco-Friendly Lighting Solution for Outdoor Events

Organizing outdoor events in Australia often involves considering various aspects, including logistics, safety, and environmental impact. One crucial element that can be easily overlooked is the lighting solution. Traditionally, outdoor events have...

Australia takes the title of sixth most hacked country in the world

Over 59,000 cybercrimes were reported in Australia in one year (2019 – 2020), at an average of 165 reports per day or even more shockingly one report every 10 minutes1. With these statistics, it’s no surprise that Australia takes the title of six...

Top Tips to Choose the Right Screen Repair for iPhone Service

Screen repair for iPhone is an essential service for anyone who owns an Apple device. Cracked screens, broken LCDs, and other display issues can all be addressed with the help of a qualified technician. Apple's official warranty only covers some ty...

NetApp and Children’s Cancer Institute Unite for CEO Dare to Cure

NetApp, the intelligent data infrastructure company, is proud to announce its partnership with Children’s Cancer Institute as the Presenting Partner of the CEO Dare to Cure Challenge, a major fundraising event supporting critical research into ch...

Best Practices for Creating a High-Performance SaaS Product

Achieving high performance in designing a Software as a Service (SaaS) product must be done strategically by putting user experience, scalability, consistency, and data-driven decision-making at the forefront. In today's competitive world, where us...

LayBy Shopping