Paris march honours Mahsa Amini, supports Iran opposition
Hundreds march in Paris for women's rights and Iran opposition
Hundreds marched through Paris on Sunday in support of women’s rights and the opposition in Iran. This demonstration occurred two years after Mahsa Amini’s death sparked widespread protests against Iran’s religious authorities. Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurd, died in custody after being detained for allegedly breaching the Islamic Republic’s strict dress code for women.
Around 20 human rights associations organised the march. It coincided with 34 women commencing a hunger strike in a Tehran prison to mark the two-year anniversary of Amini’s death. Chirinne Ardakani, a Franco-Iranian lawyer and member of the “Iran Justice” collective, highlighted the significant impact of the sacrifices made by Iranians opposing the regime. Ardakani remarked that Iran has seen a cultural shift from strict patriarchy to widespread support for women revealing themselves in public.
The march supporting the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement included Benjamin Briere and Louis Arnaud, two Frenchmen previously detained in Iran. Iran is accused of arresting Westerners without cause, using them as leverage in international negotiations. French diplomats have described these prisoners as “state hostages.” Briere was released in May 2023, followed by Arnaud in June. In his first public address since his release, Arnaud expressed honour for having lived among freedom fighters who shared his suffering. Three other French nationals remain detained in Iran.
Mahsa Amini's voice lives on, and the path of all the immortal heroes of our homeland, who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and dignity of Iran, continues.
Shout their eternal names. Share their stories of courage. Stand by their brave families. Stand shoulder to shoulder… https://t.co/HUz4UJtRS4 pic.twitter.com/YTHCtASMuH
— Reza Pahlavi (@PahlaviReza) September 15, 2024
Amini’s death on 16 September 2022, led to women-led protests that challenged Iran’s leadership throughout the autumn and winter. Authorities eventually suppressed these demonstrations. Amnesty International reported that security forces employed assault rifles and shotguns in the crackdown, resulting in at least 551 deaths, according to human rights groups. Thousands were arrested, as noted by the United Nations.
What Other Media Are Saying
- VOA News reports on a Paris rally supporting Iranian women’s rights two years after Mahsa Amini’s death, highlighting ongoing opposition to Iran’s strict dress code and government crackdowns.(read more)
- The Daily Guardian reports on a Paris rally supporting Iranian women’s rights and freedom, highlighting ongoing protests and a hunger strike in Tehran prison to commemorate Mahsa Amini’s death.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why did people march in Paris recently?
They marched in support of women’s rights and the opposition in Iran.
Who was Mahsa Amini?
Mahsa Amini was a 22-year-old Iranian Kurd who died in custody after being arrested for violating Iran’s dress code for women.
What was the significance of the march in Paris?
It marked the two-year anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death and supported the ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ movement.
What did Benjamin Briere and Louis Arnaud experience in Iran?
They were arrested and arbitrarily detained, later released in 2023.
How did Iran’s authorities respond to the protests after Amini’s death?
The authorities crushed the protests, with security forces using assault rifles and shotguns, killing at least 551 people.
