Published: Less than 10 min ago
Iranian Atefeh, 22, is terrified of talking to a Swedish journalist.
If the Islamic regime finds out, they will kill her, she says.
But she does it anyway.
– We are killed for the sake of a few hairs. Therefore, we must end this government.
It is getting late in the evening in Iran. While we are doing the interview, Atefeh hears some people start chanting slogans outside her window.
They become more and more and shout louder and louder that they want freedom.
– I am so proud of these people. I want to tell them that they do not deserve such a murderous government, says Atefeh.
On the fortieth day after Mahsa Jina Amini’s death in police custody, a large demonstration was held in the city of Atefeh. Atefeh also participated, from a car along with some other protesters.
She says she was too scared to go out on the street.
“If we go to the hospital, they arrest us”
One of her friends was shot at the demonstration. But it was not possible to go to the hospital.
– If we go to the hospital, they arrest us.
What happened to your friend?
– She is a veterinarian and was able to get hold of a doctor through some friends.
The demonstration did not last long. Many people from the paramilitary force “Basij” were there, with firearms and batons.
– Sharif University is the best university in Iran, many geniuses go there. Basij entered the university and seized the elite. They are appointed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to oppress, Atefeh says, referring to the events in Tehran at the beginning of October.
Even with the protection of a car, participating in the protests is a risk. There have been many reports of indiscriminate violence by the security forces. Many who speak their mind are arrested.
Why is it worth the risk?
– So many people have been killed because they demanded freedom. We must continue on their path in order to live a normal life without violence.
“Support us – we are alone”
Atefeh is disappointed in the outside world. She thinks that world leaders have not done enough, not by a long shot, to stop the violence. She does not want to hear more empty words, but wants to see concrete sanctions.
What would you like to say to them?
– I am asking Europe to support us. I am asking Europe not to be silent in the face of oppression, for the sake of oil and money. Every day we wake up to news that our countrymen have been killed. We are all grieving, so please support us. We are alone.
Since the protests began 40 days ago, the regime has throttled access to the internet. People keep in touch through homemade IT solutions.
– I hope the world understands how brave we have been during these 40 days.
“Everyone wants revolution”
On Saturday, just hours before our interview, the leader of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard came out and said that this was the last day of demonstrations in Iran. He warned people to take to the streets.
It will not scare people into silence, says Atefeh.
– We hear about new murders every day. The protesters cannot remain silent in the face of murder under any circumstances, it will never happen.
Atefeh asks if I have heard of those who died, those who are young men and women in their 20s and just wanted a normal life without violence, murder and poverty.
– Everyone who protests wants a revolution. This is a massacre.
“We are as important as George Floyd”
She does not believe that the people of Europe understand the extent of the violence and killing in Iran.
– If they knew about our situation, they would realize that we are as important as George Floyd. Mahsa was killed for what? A few hairs!
Atefeh says she has heard of the Swedish politician who directed harsh criticism at the EU Parliament’s foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell and cut off his hair in the lectern.
She wants to thank everyone in Sweden who is committed to Iran.
– People should know that the Iranian people are very knowledgeable and well educated. But we have a government that kills.
Several times during the interview, Atefeh returns to how dangerous it is to talk to a journalist. She asks me to be very careful.
– You know that if the government finds out that I say these things, they will kill me. This is the Islamic Republic. We sleep scared every night. Be our voice.
Atefeh is a fake name.