MILWAUKEE — It’s been two months since a movement erupted in Iran after a young woman arrested for wearing a loose hijab died in custody.
Iranian government officials have claimed that 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died after falling into a coma from a heart attack. Amini’s family disputed the allegations, accusing authorities of lying.
Ariel Shalit/AP
Iranian students at the University of Milwaukee, including Nilow, say enough is enough.
Nilou was born and raised in Iran. “It’s my hometown,” said Nilou. “I love everything about it.”
She came to the United States with a desire to have a better life, not only educationally but also personally.
“I have freedom of speech. I can wear makeup,” said Nilou.
TMJ4
She is also now able to show off her hair. These are things Nilou never had for the Islamic Republic of Iran.
“It doesn’t matter what religion you follow, you must wear the hijab (a head covering that some Muslim women wear in public),” she said.
Almost two months ago, Amini was detained for wearing a loose hijab and violating the country’s laws.
Amini died three days after his arrest.
“We should speak for her and demand justice for her,” Nilou said.
TMJ4
Protests began immediately in Iran and across the country.
“It’s not an anti-Muslim kind of protest,” Nilou said. “It’s an anti-coercive hijab protest and a regime protest.”
Including Milwaukee. It was led by an Iranian student at the University of Milwaukee. This event was to demonstrate the current crisis situation in Iran.
The performance showed exactly what happens to Iranian women on a daily basis.
Now, Iranians are asking for your help to bring about change through this online petition.
The petition calls for the release of all prisoners arrested during the protests and for the Islamic regime to be removed from the embassy for its treatment of protesters.
The petition has over 800,000 signatures.
“This is the least we can do to be the voice of the Iranian people,” Nilow said.
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