Zahra Rahnavard: The Answer to Women's Quest for Freedom is Not Bullets

Zahra Rahnavard criticized the "indifferent rulers to the demands of the nation, especially women who have deprived women and girls of their human rights for years," stating: "The quest for freedom and the desire for a lifestyle based on individual and public tastes and the elimination of gender discrimination is not answered with bullets; rather, it is the unconditional surrender to the rulers." She, along with her husband, Mir Hossein Mousavi, a leader of the protests against the 2009 election results, has been under house arrest since February 2011. In a post published on the Telegram channel "Kalameh," she added: ▫️In Iran, many brave women and men spend their lives behind bars; however, across the country, women and girls live in a prison called compulsory hijab, enduring days filled with terror and fear, yet with perseverance and courage, while fathers and mothers seeking justice for their loved ones and children who have been killed by bullets and executions are imprisoned instead of receiving justice. Rahnavard referred to the imprisonment of Narges Mohammadi, a human rights activist who received this year's Nobel Peace Prize, writing: "One of the most outdated manifestations of oppressive behavior is the continued imprisonment of the Nobel Peace Prize winner, especially at a time when global goodwill could provide a great opportunity for her to serve the nation and all humanity; however, the rulers, with this action, declare that they mock global values." She also noted that "the solidarity of women and men in alleviating poverty and hunger for all humanity and eliminating inequality will succeed, leading to the realization of freedom, development, and public welfare." In conclusion, Zahra Rahnavard referred to the floods in Sistan and Baluchestan province and the government's indifference to aid, which has drawn much criticism, writing: "Our compatriots in Sistan and Baluchestan, who are drowning in devastating floods this dark winter (which is also somewhat due to the irresponsibility of the officials), instead of receiving empathy in sending and receiving aid, clothing, shelter, and medicine, receive a ballot box! Are the number of invalid votes or the drop in the nation's participation rate not a lesson for them?" Rahnavard was a serious supporter of Islamic hijab in Iran in the early years following the 1979 revolution.