Why is Iran's TikTok generation demanding 'Women, Life, Freedom'? - BBC News
Summary
TLDRThe death of 22-year-old Kurdish woman Masa Amini in Iran has ignited unprecedented protests across the country, driven by Iran's young TikTok generation. Detained by the morality police for allegedly wearing 'revealing' clothes, Amini's death has become a symbol of resistance against the Islamic regime. The protests, characterized by the slogan 'Women, Life, Freedom,' have spread globally. Despite harsh crackdowns by security forces, the movement continues, with Iranian women and their supporters demanding an end to compulsory hijab and oppressive laws. The protests mark a significant challenge to the Islamic Republic's four-decade-long rule.
Takeaways
- 🔥 The death of a young Kurdish woman, Masa Amini, sparked widespread and unprecedented protests across Iran due to her alleged mistreatment by the morality police.
- 👮♀️ The morality police in Iran enforce a strict Islamic dress code on women, which led to Masa Amini's detention and subsequent death.
- 📹 There is controversy surrounding the circumstances of Masa's death, with the police claiming no wrongdoing and her family alleging police brutality.
- 🌍 The protests have gained international attention and support, with the slogan 'Women, life, freedom' spreading globally.
- 📢 Iranian women have been fighting against compulsory hijab and oppressive rules for decades, with various campaigns and movements emerging over time.
- 👥 The current protests are notable for the involvement of a younger generation, including high school girls, who are boldly challenging the status quo.
- 🏢 The Iranian government has responded to the protests with force, with security forces cracking down and making arrests, including of influential figures who have spoken out.
- 📽️ Despite state media censorship, social media has played a crucial role in sharing information and rallying support for the protests, both within Iran and internationally.
- 🚫 The Iranian regime has shown no signs of compromise, with the supreme leader blaming foreign governments for the unrest.
- 👩🦰 Kurdish women have historically been at the forefront of resistance against patriarchal and oppressive regimes in Iran, contributing significantly to the ongoing movement.
- 🌐 The slogan 'Women, life, freedom' originated from Kurdish resistance in Turkey and has been adopted by Iranian protesters to signify a broader fight against patriarchy and for human rights.
Q & A
What sparked the recent protests in Iran?
-The death of a young Kurdish woman, Masa Amini, after being detained by the morality police for allegedly wearing revealing clothes, sparked unprecedented protests across the country.
What is the role of the morality police in Iran?
-The morality police in Iran are tasked with enforcing the strict Islamic dress code on women in public, which includes wearing a headscarf and adhering to conservative clothing standards.
How did the BBC obtain footage and information from inside Iran?
-Since the BBC can't operate freely in Iran, they rely on people sending them videos and information from inside the country.
What is the significance of the slogan 'women life freedom' in the context of these protests?
-The slogan 'women life freedom' has spread across the country and the world, symbolizing the struggle for women's rights and resistance against the Islamic regime's strict rules imposed on women.
What happened to Masa Amini after she was taken to the police station?
-Masa Amini collapsed in the police station and was later transferred to a hospital, where she was declared brain dead, fell into a coma, and was pronounced dead three days later.
How did the Iranian government explain Masa Amini's death?
-Iran's police chief claimed that Masa Amini fell into a coma due to a heart condition, but this account was disputed by her family and eyewitnesses.
What was the response of the Iranian Security Forces to the protests?
-The Iranian Security Forces cracked down on the protesters, using threats, intimidation, and force, but the protesters have not backed down.
What is the historical context of women's rights struggles in Iran?
-The struggle for women's rights in Iran dates back to the Islamic Revolution in 1979, when compulsory hijab and other strict rules for women were imposed, leading to ongoing protests and campaigns against these restrictions.
How have Iranian women activists used social media to promote their cause?
-Iranian women activists have used social media platforms to launch campaigns against compulsory hijab, such as 'White Wednesdays,' sharing their messages and experiences to raise awareness and solidarity.
What is the significance of the 'White Wednesdays' campaign?
-The 'White Wednesdays' campaign is a form of civil disobedience where participants wear a white symbol or wave a white flag in public to protest against compulsory hijab and to identify with others who oppose it.
How have international celebrities shown solidarity with the Iranian protesters?
-International celebrities have shown solidarity by cutting their hair, an ancient act symbolic in Iran of mourning and loss, and participating in protests around the world.
What is the origin of the slogan 'women life freedom'?
-The slogan 'women life freedom' was first used by Kurdish women resisting the Turkish state in Turkey in the late 1980s and later by Kurdish women against ISIS, and it has now been adopted by Iranian protesters.
What has been the impact of the protests on the younger generation in Iran?
-The younger generation, including high school girls, has been at the forefront of the protests, daring to challenge the compulsory hijab rules and expressing their resistance through social media and public demonstrations.
How have Iranian authorities responded to the death of protesters like Nika Shakaremi?
-Iranian authorities have often denied that the deaths were caused by the protests, offering alternative explanations such as suicide or accidents, and have sometimes used state media to broadcast forced confessions or narratives that support their version of events.
What is the potential significance of these protests for the future of Iran?
-While there is no clarity yet on the outcome, these protests are seen as a turning point for Iranian women and a tipping point for the Islamic Republic, potentially moving Iran towards a more democratic future.
Outlines
🚨 Unprecedented Protests in Iran Over Women's Rights 🚨
The death of a young Kurdish woman, Masa Amini, in Iran has ignited nationwide protests against the Islamic regime's strict dress code for women. Despite security forces' crackdowns, protesters, including Iran's Tik-Tok generation, remain undeterred. The BBC relies on videos sent from inside Iran to report on the situation. The protests, which have gained international attention, are the latest in Iran's ongoing struggle for women's rights, with the slogan 'women life freedom' spreading globally.
🌍 Spreading the Flame of Feminism Across Iran 🌍
The protests in Iran have been fueled by the death of Masa Amini, whose case has become a symbol of resistance against religious dictatorship. Women are removing their headscarves in a show of civil disobedience, and the movement has resonated with high school girls who are now openly challenging the compulsory hijab rules imposed since the Islamic revolution 40 years ago. Iran's supreme leader has blamed foreign governments for the unrest, but the opposition to the hijab is deeply rooted in the country's history.
🔥 A History of Defiance: Women's Rights Activism in Iran 🔥
The struggle against compulsory hijab in Iran dates back to the early days of the Islamic revolution. Women have been fighting against these rules for decades, with campaigns like 'one million signatures' aiming to change discriminatory laws. Activists, both within Iran and in exile, have used the internet and social media to amplify their message and organize protests, despite facing severe repercussions including arrests and forced exile.
📢 Voices of Solidarity: Breaking Through Censorship 📢
Influential Iranian figures, including footballers, actors, scholars, and singers, have used social media to express support for the protests and break through state media censorship. The song composed by Shervin Hajipur, using people's tweets, became a symbol of resistance and went viral despite his arrest. The global diaspora of Iranian communities has also rallied in support, with large protests taking place in cities around the world.
🌈 The Power of a Slogan: Women, Life, Freedom 🌈
The slogan 'women life freedom' has a rich history, originating from Kurdish women's resistance against oppressive regimes. It has been adopted by Iran's Tik-Tok generation, who are leading the current protests. This generation, born and educated after the revolution, is using social media to voice their opposition to the Islamic Republic's patriarchal foundations and to advocate for a democratic future.
💔 The Tragic Cost of Protest: Lives Lost in the Struggle 💔
The protests have come at a high cost, with over 200 people killed, including many teenagers. The deaths of Serena Smizada and Nika Shakaremi have further fueled public anger. Despite official narratives attempting to downplay or discredit these incidents, the families and supporters of the victims have bravely refuted these claims, continuing to fight for justice and freedom.
⚖️ A Turning Point for Iran: The Future Remains Uncertain ⚖️
While the Islamic Republic of Iran has faced numerous protests in the past, the current movement feels distinct, with a new generation leading the charge for change. The outcome remains unclear, but the protests have opened a door for potential democratic progress, regardless of the immediate results.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Protests
💡Moral Police
💡Islamic Regime
💡Women's Rights
💡Civil Disobedience
💡Hijab
💡Tick-Tock Generation
💡Slogan
💡Diaspora
💡State Media Censorship
💡Turning Point
Highlights
The death of a young Kurdish woman, Masa Amini, sparked unprecedented protests across Iran.
Security forces cracked down on the protests, but protesters have not backed down even after weeks.
The BBC relies on videos sent from inside Iran due to restrictions on operating freely there.
Iran's young TikTok generation is at the forefront of challenging the Islamic regime.
The slogan 'women life freedom' has spread across Iran and the world, symbolizing the struggle for women's rights.
Masa Amini's death was followed by an incident at a police station, where she was detained for 'revealing' clothing.
Masa's father claims eyewitnesses saw the morality police beat her, contradicting the government's account.
The Islamic Republic enforces strict rules on women's attire, leading to confrontations and violence.
Mass protests and acts of civil disobedience, such as women removing their scarves, occurred at Masa's funeral.
The protests have spread rapidly, with high school girls daring to challenge compulsory hijab rules.
Iran's supreme leader blamed foreign governments for the protests, dismissing the domestic outcry.
The first protest against compulsory hijab took place in Tehran less than a month after the 1979 revolution.
Activists like Mansura launched campaigns like 'one million signatures' to change discriminatory laws against women.
The development of the internet in Iran facilitated communication among activists and the spread of their campaigns.
Influential Iranian figures and international celebrities have used social media to support the protests and break through censorship.
The slogan 'women life freedom' originated from Kurdish women resisting the Turkish state in the 1980s.
Iranian Kurdish women have been fighting against patriarchal society and played a significant role in opposing the Islamic Republic.
The current protests are seen as a revolution led by Iranian women, demanding dignity and freedom.
The Islamic Republic has faced numerous protests, but the current situation feels different, with an uncertain outcome.
Transcripts
the death of a young Kurdish woman in
Iran has a sparked unprecedented
protests across the country
security forces have cracked down but
weeks on there is no sign of the
protesters backing down
some of the biggest demonstrations so
far took place 40 days after Masa amini
died
the BBC can't operate freely in Iran so
we rely on people sending us videos from
inside the country
[Music]
this time Iran's young Tick-Tock
generation are at the Forefront of this
challenge to the Islamic regime
it's the latest in a long struggle for
women's rights in Iran
so why this time has the slogan for
these protests women life freedom spread
across the country and the world
[Music]
in early September Masa Gina amini a 22
year old woman and her younger brother
travel from
City in Western Iran to visit the
capital city Tehran for the first time
but their Journey takes an ominous turn
as soon as they get out of the metro
station Massa faces the morality police
a force tasked with enforcing this
strict Islamic dress code on women in
public
masa's clothes are deemed revealing
um
is detained and taken to a police
station in Tehran an hour later Masa
complains about something to a female
police officer this CCTV footage shows
the moment she collapses in the police
station
by the time she's transferred to a
hospital she is brain dead and falls
into a coma
hello
three days later Masa is pronounced dead
the news of her death outrages many
across the country
security forces the spirits a crowd
gathered in front of the hospital
Iran's police chief says Masa fell into
a coma
because of a hard conditions
the morality police usually wear body
cameras
but they say they didn't on that day
the police van had CCTV cameras no
recordings have been made available
masa's father says eyewitnesses have
told him the morality police beat Masa
up in the van
despite threats and intimidation by the
security forces masa's father refuses to
remain silent in an interview with BBC
Persian he says the government's account
is totally false events
the Islamic Republic has strict rules on
what women were in public
the morality police have been enforcing
those rules for four decades
their confrontations with young women on
many occasions have led to verbal abuse
and physical violence
[Music]
anger against the strict Islamic rules
imposed on women was expressed at
massa's funeral in the Symmetry in the
Kurdish city of surplus
blah
[Music]
[Music]
everybody
[Applause]
we saw that in the cemetery women are
throwing their scarves it was as if for
the first time the entire Society was
receiving women showing this act of
Civil Disobedience it has taken a long
time for women to achieve what they
achieved at that moment they have gone
beyond their fear to communicate with
their society and I think that was a
turning point in in the feminist
movement in Iran
everybody
Freedom the words chanted by protesters
at massa's funeral struck a chord in
every corner of Iran before long
protests had spread like wildfire across
the country
[Applause]
[Music]
[Applause]
they killed my soul for just a bit of
her
just for a little bit of her hair was
visible you know but now what's going on
in Iran women removing their job
completely because Masa is not dead for
Iranian women she's becoming a symbol of
resistance against religious dictators
[Music]
thank you
foreign
compulsory hijab and stroke rules and
women were imposed under the Islamic
revolution 40 years ago now even high
school girls are daring to challenge
removing their headscarves and chanting
death to the dictator in front of their
schools something unprecedented and
unimaginable just a few weeks ago
[Applause]
[Music]
there is
I thought
but there is no sign that the Islamic
leadership is thinking of compromise
in his first response to the protest
Iran's supreme leader blamed foreign
governments
[Music]
charge
foreign
foreign
forces were sent out onto the streets in
force
but opposition to compulsory hijab in
Iran is not new many women have been
fighting it since the early days of the
Islamic revolution in 1979
foreign
[Music]
participated in the revolution to remove
the Shah but for many of them the
celebration was short lived the leader
of the Islamic revolution
called for imposing Islamic rule on
women
many unveiled women were attacked
US foreign
that's my daughter is oh yeah
less than a month after the revolution
the first protest against compulsory
hijab took place in Tehran
[Music]
um
is determined to see an Islamic State at
all cost
the sectors who oppose extremist Islamic
beliefs
prevailed
Islamic rules imposed on women became
one of the main pillars of the regime
how you will understand that this is
Islamic country through us the women
because the Islamic Republic make us to
carry their ideology on our body
basically hijab is not a choice for us
[Music]
but Iranian women have kept fighting
is an Iranian woman's rights activist
now she lives in Exile in The Hague the
Netherlands
2006 Mansura and a group of women in
Iran started a campaign called one
million signatures the campaign sought
to change discriminatory laws against
women
is
most of the women behind the campaign
were arrested or exiled but a new
generation of activists went online
with the development of the internet in
Iran communicating with young Iranian
women became easier
an Iranian activist exiled in the U.S
used social media to promote her
campaigns against compulsory hijab look
at this
colorful hair this is the hair
Revolution
my stealthy Freedom my camera is my
weapon and white Wednesdays are some of
her campaigns against compulsory hijab
[Music]
eight years ago I launched a campaign
against compulsory hijab I picked a
color white I picked a day Wednesday
because I wanted people who do not
believe in a job to identify each other
in public people took to the streets
practicing their Civil Disobedience
while wearing a white symbol or waving
white symbol in public
one of the women responding to the white
Wednesday's campaign was yosemin Arya
active Defiance against Force hijab
yasamin filled herself without a hijab
on the streets of tehrano
this act was a crime in the eyes of the
Islamic Republic yasamin was arrested in
2019 and sentenced to five years in
prison
the founder of the campaign was an
immune even in the U.S
at has been in the crosshairs of the
Iranian Security Forces
in 2021 the FBI foiled a plot to kidnap
her in New York
but the Iranian government has denied
that it was involved
if it was not the FBI stopping the
kidnapping plot
I would have been in Iran now executed
the FBA actually arrested a man with a
loaded gun in front of my house in
Brooklyn
maybe they're scared of my hair I don't
know I don't know why they're scared of
me
like Messi during the latest protests
many influential Iranian figures have
used social media to break through State
media censorship
from footballers to actors from Scholars
to singers they have expressed their
support
even on you yeah
in this clip songwriter shervin hajipur
uses the wording from people's tweets to
compose a song about why the Islamic
Republic should no longer exist
Iranian Security Forces arrested sharvin
immediately but it was too late
his song had already gone viral
singers in Iran and around the world
covered his song
just to get some sleep For All Mankind
in our country for all the boys and
girls
[Music]
it wasn't only the song that crossed
borders the slogan of the protest women
life Freedom also went around the world
in solidarity with the protesters many
International celebrities cut their hair
an ancient act symbolic in Iran of
mourning and loss
[Music]
Iranian communities in the diaspora have
been moved to protest
many have rallied in support in cities
around the world
[Music]
um
tens of thousands of Iranians have
traveled from all over Europe to be here
in Berlin it is the largest protest ever
by the Iranian diaspora people from all
walks of life and different ethnicities
United as never before to support the
protest inside Iran people repeatedly
shouting this slogan
Azadi woman life Frida so how did the
slogan began
the motto woman life liberty first was
used by the Kurdish woman resisting
against the Turkish estate in Turkey
towards the end of 1980s and later it
was used by resistance of Kurdish women
against the Isis the motto itself is
very generative it is supposed to
empower people
for the last 40 years Iranian Kurdish
women have fought against their
male-dominated society
and played a significant role in
activities opposing the Islamic Republic
[Applause]
the Kurdish context from which it Rose
it is not thinking about women's Freedom
as a mere legal issue or a matter of
mandatory hijab or those kind of things
it is actually addressing all the
patriarchal foundations of our society
[Music]
this time the slogan women life Freedom
has been picked up especially by Iran's
Tick-Tock generation a generation born
long after the Revolution and educated
in the Islamic Republic system
no she has
um
foreign
[Music]
this young woman is typical of the way
her generation are speaking out
here
[Music]
[Music]
this is 16 year old Serena smizada at
first glance she looks like any Western
girl
well connected to social media and
posting videos on YouTube
but she lived in gohar dash near Tehran
Serena died during the protests Amnesty
International says the security forces
beat her head with sticks
the authorities say she committed
suicide
since the protest began more than 200
people have been killed at least 20 of
them have been teenagers
another of the victims was Nika
shakaremi
[Applause]
[Music]
Nico was 16. here she's singing for her
friends
after the death of Masa she joined a
protest near her home in Tehran
the last message she sent to her friends
was I'm running I am being chased by
Security Forces then she disappeared
ten days later her mother found her body
in a morgue
her family planned to bury her in their
hometown of Hora Mobile in Western Iran
the funeral fell on her 17th birthday
Mika's mother gathered with thousands of
people in the cemetery for her burial
but her body never arrived
as news filtered through mourners in the
cemetery were enraged and started
chanting death to the dictator
Security Forces responded with tear gas
buttons and bird shots
questions
and an uncle were taken into custody for
publicizing her death
the authorities insisted that Nika was
not killed in the protest and the cause
of her death was falling from a height
prove this Nika's grieving aunt was
filmed explaining how Nica fell from a
building it was shown on the state TV
State TV has a history of broadcasting
forced confessions of political
prisoners gained under pressure and
torture is
BBC Persian obtained a video showing a
young girl burning her head scarf in the
exact location from where Nika last
called her friend
family confirmed the girl in the video
was Nika
despite threats and intimidation Nika's
mother in a video refuted the
Authority's account of Nico's death
uh
[Music]
[Music]
the death of young people like Nika
fuels the anger against the regime but
the Islamic Republic leaders have vowed
to deal with protesters
decisively's tragic death is becoming a
turning point for Iranian women and it
is a Tipping Point for the Islamic
Republic women are tired of being
second-class citizen they want to have
dignity and freedom and now
this is a Revolution being led by
Iranian women alongside men supporting
them
um
demo
foreign
actually moved towards a democratic
future so regardless of whether or not
this round of protests are gonna reach
any immediate result at least have
opened the right door this time
then do not push do not pushes
the Islamic Republic of Iran has faced a
number of serious protests in the past
40 years this time it feels different
but there is no Clarity yet on the
outcome
[Music]
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