In a forthcoming exclusive from ABC’s Foreign Correspondent, the resilience of Iran’s protest movement is revealed through clandestine interviews conducted with young dissidents.
These interviews come nearly a year after protests, primarily led by women, erupted across Iran.
The triggering event was the demise of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who tragically passed away in custody for a hijab violation. Her death galvanised women nationwide, leading many to remove their hijabs in a show of unity.
The government’s reaction to the public outpouring was both swift and severe, resulting in widespread detainment, and in some cases, execution. Even as visible protests waned, the underlying call for change remained persistent.
Foreign Correspondent’s connections with these young activists were maintained via encrypted messaging platforms. Despite the inherent dangers, these activists came forward to narrate their experiences, elaborate on their acts of defiance, and discuss the sacrifices made in their quest for liberty.
Their primary objective: to ensure global awareness of the prevailing situation in Iran. As one protestor poignantly remarks,
“Friends, it has just started…”