Iranians in Northern Ireland Call for International Support
Iranians residing in Northern Ireland have expressed concern that their relatives in Iran are "dying just to have some peace."
A group of approximately 50 individuals participated in a demonstration at Belfast City Hall on Saturday, advocating for international assistance to "free Iran."
The protest follows recent demonstrations in Iran triggered by deteriorating economic conditions, which were met with a severe and deadly crackdown by Iranian authorities.
Voices from the Iranian Diaspora
Edeh Zamani, an Iranian who has lived in Northern Ireland for 25 years, shared that her family members in Iran are aware of the risks they face when protesting.
She also noted that even expressing support in Belfast is considered risky due to potential repercussions for friends and family still in Iran.
"We all have families and friends in Iran who are dying just to have some peace," Zamani said.
"We need to get rid of the dictator in Iran. It will help Iranians, it will help the region, it will help the world."
Communication Amid Internet Blackouts
Zamani described receiving a message from her best friend in Iran during a brief window of internet connectivity, despite ongoing internet blackouts in the country.
"She said 'this is not life, we are not living a life anymore'."
Discrepancies in Death Toll Reports
Iranian authorities have reported that approximately 3,000 people have died following the recent unrest, with most casualties being security personnel.
In contrast, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has confirmed over 6,000 protester deaths, while Norway-based Iran Human Rights estimates the death toll could exceed 25,000.
Advocacy and Calls for Support
Zamani emphasized that her loved ones in Iran are urging her to speak out on their behalf.
"We are their voice," she said.
The mother of two, who has raised her family in Northern Ireland, stressed the need for greater support from the local community and political representatives.
"We need more people, we need more support, we need Belfast," she said.
"We need the politicians, we need our MPs. I don't know where they are. Every week we are here shouting."
"It's unfair. What's going on in Iran is horrific," she added.
