Unyielding Voices from Within Iran
More than four decades have elapsed since I, like so many others, suffered imprisonment in Iran for fighting against grave injustices and advocating for women's rights. My eight years in Evin prison haunt me every day, a reminder of what speaking out can cost.
The resilience of the Iranian people shines through in their repeated uprisings—each wave growing in strength and depth. Drawing from the profound bravery witnessed during the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, catalyzed by the tragic murder of Mahsa Amini, it is evident that the fight for justice and equality has only intensified.
The Current Uprising: A New Wave of Defiance
Today, as protests erupt once again in Iran—this time ignited by economic strife and state-sanctioned brutality—the demands echo those of the 1980s. We call for an end to poverty, corruption, and repression. Yet, despite the progress in women's rights since 2022, the fight is far from over.
“They have nothing to lose but their chains.”
In late December 2025, the vitality of protest surged from an old bazaar in Tehran. Though the voices have grown louder, so too has the regime's ruthless clampdown. Reports from human rights organizations paint a grim picture: security forces violently suppressing demonstrations, shooting into crowds of largely peaceful protesters.
The Sobering Reality of Repression
The tragic narratives emerging from these upheavals are all too familiar to me. My heart aches for the families desperately searching for lost loved ones amid the chaos. More than 2,000 lives reportedly lost, with a higher count likely hidden beneath layers of state secrecy.Journalistic scrutiny is crucial to expose the depths of this tragedy.
- 18,434 arrests by day 17, with coercive confessions aired on state channels echoing my own past.
Every tortured whisper on screen brings old wounds to the surface, reminding survivors like me of the price we've paid for the truth.
The State's Response: Terror and Silencing
I have witnessed firsthand the regime's terror tactics: civilians flagged down in the streets, historic stores burned to the ground, and injured demonstrators concealed from assistance. Reports of doctors being hindered in their essential duties, alongside the systematic erasure of dissent, compel the world to take note.
Despite the violence cloaked in darkness, resilient voices continue to defy: they cry for freedom, dignity, and the right to be heard. As military vehicles maintain a firm grip on Tehran's streets, the frequency and volume of protests only increase.
Global Implications and a Call to Action
These protests have birthed an internet blackout—a desperate attempt by the regime to limit visibility into their heinous actions and thwart Iranian organization. For those in exile, the inability to contact family and friends for weeks fuels an overwhelming sense of anguish.
“Silence only empowers those who torture and kill with impunity.”
Those of us once fortunate enough to escape the hauntings of oppression still grapple with our collective memories. Even as I rebuild a new life, the knowledge of what my compatriots endure remains a heavy burden. The global community must reinvigorate its focus on Iran, to ensure that the violence does not spiral further unchecked.
A Beacon of Hope: The Indomitable Spirit of Iranian Protesters
Freedom from Torture has tirelessly supported survivors for years, catering to our urgent psychological and physical needs post-exile. Now, we urge international actors to apply unwavering pressure on the Iranian regime—advocating for the release of political prisoners and stifling the culture of torture that persists. These calls for justice are echoed by every person demanding their fundamental rights.
The Power of Solidarity
Having witnessed my country's battle over half a century, I am certain that the status quo will not endure. Iranians will undeniably continue the fight for their rights, propelled by a spirit unbroken by years of torture and fear. From the ashes of struggle, a brighter future beckons.
As we bear witness to the torment faced by ordinary citizens, the world must rally in solidarity. I implore you: join me in raising our collective voice against injustice, torture, and oppression. Together, we can stand shoulder to shoulder with the valiant individuals fighting for a life free of fear, one built upon the values of dignity and freedom.
Conclusion
As the world watches, may we never forget those who dare to dream of a liberated Iran. Our voices must intertwine: echoing the desperate calls for freedom and justice. Let us act—not just as observers but as allies rooting for change.
Source reference: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/15/iran-protests-survivors-regime-freedom
