Why have the protests have spread worldwide and what does the show of solidarity mean? George campus to Queen's Park (Photo by Polina Teif) Hundreds marched from Sidney Smith Hall on the St. All of this has hugely affected the anger of the people in terms of Mahsa’s death being viewed as the last straw. The high inflation, lack of employment, the rise of poverty and class division has also contributed to the frustration and grievances of the people. The last reason, which is hugely significant, is the economic condition in the country. Just a few months ago, the death of a very beloved poet, writer and filmmaker – Baktash Abtin – affected many people. The third reason is that, in the last few years, the government has escalated its suppression of freedom ideas by arresting women, human rights activists, environmental activists, members of workers unions, teachers, writers and artists. Those factors, combined with gender oppression, were a force that ignited this massive uprising. Second, Mahsa is a Kurdish woman – a member of a national minority that has been culturally, economically and politically suppressed. How are women treated? What happens at the time of the arrest? And where do they get taken? There’s been much media and footage that have exposed the machinery of this violence. This daring act on behalf of the family really exposed the larger machinery of violence of this state. The first is that Mahsa’s family made it public knowledge that this had happened to their daughter. People got very angry for several reasons. Why did Amini’s death fuel such a strong response among Iranian youth, particularly women? George campus this week (photo by Polina Teif) Shahrzad Mojab spoke at a rally on the St. It is a suppression of women’s rights, control of women’s sexuality and their reproductive rights – all of that is enshrined in the constitution of Iran. It is a massive suppression of freedom of expression, academic freedom, censoring publications and different forms of art production. It has been brutally enforced for more than four decades with many implications. The compulsory veiling law is part of the Islamic Constitution, which is based on Sharia law. This has been the cornerstone of the Islamic identity of this government. The compulsory veiling law was enforced by the Islamic regime since it came into power. She was beaten under custody and she was transferred to hospital where she passed away a few days later. She was confronted, arrested and then taken to a detention centre to be “re-educated” in terms of morality, Islamic codes and proper dressing. She was detained by the morality police because they claim she wore her veil improperly. Mahsa (Jina) Amini was a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who was travelling to Tehran for a family vacation. U of T News spoke with her about Amini, the massive uprising in Iran and what it means for the future of the country. Mojab participated in the women’s movement, the Kurdish autonomous movement and in the student protests in Iran more than 40 years ago, and was forced to leave Iran in 1983 due to her political activism. Universities Canada, which is chaired by President Gertler, has also released a statement expressing its concern.Īs for Mojab, she spoke at a rally Thursday evening that began at U of T’s Sidney Smith Commons on the St. President Gertler’s statement also addressed reports in recent days of police action against student protesters on university campuses in Iran, and the special concerns this raises for U of T and all institutions founded on academic freedom and freedom of expression. President Meric Gertler and Vice-President, People Strategy, Equity and Culture Kelly Hannah-Moffat have both issued statements condemning policy brutality in Iran, the violation of human rights and systemic violations of the rights of women – and expressing solidarity with those speaking out. At the University of Toronto, there have been rallies, an online discussion and a vigil, among other demonstrations of support. There has been an outpouring of support in Canada and around the world. “The unity of the people is remarkable in terms of demanding, ‘Let’s stay in the streets and be united in our struggle,’” she said.
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