Anniversary of Mahsa: Iranian Artists Speak of 'Solidarity, Empathy, and Support' from the People

The killing of Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police was met with widespread protests across Iran that quickly spread throughout the country. In recent months, many Iranian artists both inside and outside the country have criticized the violent repression of protesters by government forces in various ways. Several of these artists and activists abroad shared their views on the Iranian freedom movement with the slogan 'Women, Life, Freedom' in an interview with Voice of America on the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death. Mary Apick, an actress, writer, and director, stated: 'The tragic and painful death of Mahsa Amini made the voices of the people and youth of Iran heard by everyone. This was a step that began with a women's revolution in Iran and had a global reflection. These steps were taken by Mahsa and other brave young Iranians who are victims of the oppression and tyranny of this ruthless government. My hope for the future of Iran and the future of Iranian youth is freedom and democracy.' She added, 'Unfortunately, foreign governments have remained silent due to their commercial interests. Humanity and humanitarianism are not present in their policies regarding Iran. Hope lies solely with the people of Iran to overthrow this tyrannical government with the power of their voices despite the repression.' Babak Amini, an Iranian musician and composer, said: 'In my opinion, Mahsa's revolution was a new beginning for the solidarity of the people, and even activating artists, filmmakers, athletes, and all sectors of society towards the overthrow of the Islamic Republic. No matter how much this ruthless government tried to discourage and demoralize the people with violence and killings, it has failed. We see that even the gray area that never acted and only considered its personal interests is now active and protesting.' He continued, 'Mahsa's revolution caused the solidarity of the people and jolted the gray area, while also showing the true face of this government to the world and made the people of Iran proud. Now the world knows that this murderous government does not represent Iranians. The unity abroad was also notable; Mahsa's revolution led to all the rallies, demonstrations, concerts, and songs that were released. These protests were previously a smoldering fire but have now flared up, showing that the people do not want this government. I hope that on the anniversary of Mahsa's revolution, we witness more unity and solidarity.' Golazhin 'Gola', an Iranian singer, stated: 'Women, Life, Freedom, is not just a slogan of a revolution. It will be a new chapter of freedom in the lives of humanity. Because with the overthrow of the Islamic Republic regime, not only Iran and the Middle East but the entire world will be a better place for human beings.' Hamid Talebzadeh, an Iranian singer, said: 'Anyone who has a shred of humanity, honor, and conscience cannot be indifferent to the death of Mahsa Zhina Amini. If someone can be indifferent to this issue, and to the problems and crimes happening in the country, they should doubt their honor, conscience, and humanity.' He added, 'I am sure that the Women, Life, Freedom revolution in Iran will succeed; it may take time, but it will not be in vain.' Sepideh Farsi, a writer and director, stated: 'Women, Life, Freedom is a revolution. If not a political revolution, it is a cultural and social revolution. It is a storm in the tattered tent of the ruling regime that shows no signs of sleeping. This has been proven by the glorious struggle of Iranian women and men over the past year.' She added, 'The Islamic regime is going to fall, and it knows this, which is why it resorts to such petty repression, in hopes of freedom.' Pouya Mohseni, an actor and LGBTQ activist, said: 'The blood of Iranians has been boiling for 44 years. From financial corruption and a sick economy to brutality against the people, the majority of the people, especially women and angry youth, are justified in their anger! 44 years of oppression and misery is enough.' He continued, 'The government constantly claims that the protesters are foreign agents. This regime will not change quietly, but one year after the start of the Women, Life, Freedom movement, the people of Iran have shown the world that despite the violence of this clerical dictatorship, they will not retreat and will defeat this vile and bloodthirsty regime with their lives and blood. In hope of victory for Iran and Iranians against this corrupt and savage regime.' Hafez, an Iranian singer, stated: 'In third-world countries, women's movements are often seen as a danger against the power and government of men. Especially after the 1979 revolution, feminist perspectives and feminism have always been suppressed by the government, considered a form of audacity and immorality. The struggle for justice and women's rights has always been a concern for any government.' He added, 'With pride, it must be said that Mahsa's movement has been a turning point in women's struggles in contemporary history, achieving remarkable accomplishments against a totalitarian government and continues its path with strength.' Mah Monir Nadim, an Iranian singer, stated: 'Freedom is not achieved through stagnation; it is a right that must be claimed. Freedom is our right, Zhina is our code name. It has been a year since we have been breathing with sighs and pain, but we have not given up. We have kept the names of the martyrs alive through artistic creations wherever we could and told the world about the daily oppression of this corrupt and murderous regime.' She added, 'We are those who did not remain silent, and we will not cease our efforts to expose this bloodthirsty government until the day of freedom arrives. Iran belongs to all Iranians; Iran without gender and ethnic apartheid. Together, we will end the darkness and filth that reigns over our homeland, Women, Life, Freedom.' Misagh Moradi, a singer, stated: 'We Iranians have gotten used to fragmentation over these four decades. We immigrants have become accustomed to our isolation in exile, and Iranians within the borders have become accustomed to their helplessness and loneliness. The days following Mahsa Amini's death seem to have reminded us Iranians of being together and supporting one another.' He added, 'Mahsa Amini's death was like a fire that ignited in the phoenix of us Iranians, causing us to rise from the ashes of years of lethargy and disappointment and remember ourselves and our identity. I am sure that after Mahsa's death, no power will ever be able to return us to this lethargy and that the power we have understood with our flesh and blood will not be taken from us.' Mahour, an Iranian singer, stated: 'The Women, Life, Freedom movement, and the uprising stemming from the everlasting event of Mahsa Amini, is actually the spark of a great explosion of freedom-seeking among Iranian youth, women, and men against a deep-rooted oppression of over forty years, which is still growing and blooming. He added, 'However, in the face of this despicable and cowardly government, there is no doubt that this uprising is gaining strength and rapidly moving towards achieving a free Iran with an aware young generation and the destruction of ignorance and superstition, ultimately leading to the downfall of this anti-Iranian regime.' Faravaz, a singer and feminist, stated: 'Women, Life, Freedom has brought significant changes in all our lives. Personally, I have become much braver and more combative, and I know more than ever what I want. This revolution has been very inspiring for me; we Iranian women have held each other's hands since a year ago and have walked this path together until today, and we will be together until the end, in hope of freedom.' Shahrzad Dastournejad, an opera singer, stated: 'In my belief, Mahsa's murder marks the beginning of irreversible cultural and social transformations in our land. The government murder of Mahsa has given birth to empathy and solidarity among the segments of society residing in Iran and even beyond its borders. Let us, on this day, convey our solidarity and unity wherever we are in a language we can make heard by all.' Saeed Mohammadi, a singer, stated: 'A year has passed since Mahsa Zhina Amini was not just killed but became a martyr, and a year has passed since the historic and glorious movement of the Iranian people for justice for their youth, for the children who are rotting in prisons, for those who have gone blind or lost a limb, and for the freedom of over eighty million Iranians.' He added, 'In this year, we have learned a lot, many faces have been revealed, and we have recognized many faces; we have distinguished authentic movements from secondary ones. We know one thing: no individual or political group can alone destroy this multi-headed monster and expel the Islamic Republic from Iran. The only way is unity, loving one another, and respecting differing political views. Today, I only repeat one slogan: today is only unity.' Fariba Davoodi, a singer and professor of Iranian music, stated: 'What is certain is that this movement has arisen from the hearts of the brave women and girls of my homeland Iran and will undoubtedly succeed. It takes time, but victory will undoubtedly belong to the people of Iran.' She added, 'The youth are filled with a storm of hope for life, tired of bondage, and the old dragon knows this; hence, he is more afraid of the youth.' Lili Mohseni, a singer and actress, stated: 'Daughter of Iran, you have multiplied; your name has become a code, and this code is the dawn of our freedom in Iran. Call out her name! Imagine one morning you wake up and they are no longer there, all political prisoners and freedom-seekers are free and with their families, no executions exist, Sistan and Baluchestan is prosperous, Khuzestan has water, no one is forced to be a porter, no empty tables, no one is harassed or discriminated against because of their religion, belief, or gender, child marriage/child abuse is not legal, poverty does not exist, child labor does not exist, no forest thieves, embezzlers, land grabbers, or rent-seekers exist, Lake Urmia breathes again, our environment and our historical sites are properly and fundamentally protected, we have optional dress codes, free music, free singing, free protest, free thought, free love, free dancing, free joy, women, life, freedom free. Imagine...