Deep Dive
What sparked the mass protests in Iran in 2022?
The protests were sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was detained for allegedly violating Iran's strict dress code mandating women wear a hijab.
What happened to some of the protesters after the 2022 demonstrations?
Some protesters were arrested and are on death row, while others have already been executed.
Who was Kianoosh Sanjari and what was his role in Iranian activism?
Kianoosh Sanjari was a prominent Iranian activist who started protesting as a teenager in 1999. He faced multiple arrests, imprisonment, and psychological torture, and ultimately took his own life in protest against the regime.
Why did Kianoosh Sanjari return to Iran despite facing persecution?
Sanjari returned to Iran due to his love for the country and his mother's deteriorating health. However, he continued to face arrest and imprisonment upon his return.
What was the ultimatum Kianoosh Sanjari gave to the Iranian regime before his death?
Sanjari gave the regime a 24-hour ultimatum to release four political prisoners, including Nika Shahkarami's mother, or he would take his own life.
How did the Iranian regime respond to Kianoosh Sanjari's ultimatum?
The regime did not release the prisoners, and Sanjari took his own life in a public act of defiance.
What are the concerns about the trials of protesters on death row in Iran?
The trials are seen as sham trials, with defendants reportedly coerced into confessions and threatened with violence, including the rape of their wives.
What is the current state of dissent in Iran today?
Dissent now takes the form of daily acts of resistance, such as women not wearing hijabs in public, which was previously unimaginable. However, there are no mass protests like those in 2022.
Why is there no united opposition against the Iranian regime?
The Iranian diaspora and opposition groups struggle to unite due to infighting, which is partly instigated by the Iranian regime's cyber warfare tactics.
How do Western powers view Iran's human rights issues?
While human rights are acknowledged, they are considered a secondary issue compared to concerns like Iran's nuclear program and regional influence.
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