Iranians in Scotland Call for Secular Democracy Amid Protests

Iranians living in Scotland express hope that ongoing protests in their home country could lead to the dismantling of the Islamic Republic and the establishment of a secular democracy. Over the last fortnight, at least 500 people have reportedly lost their lives as Iranian authorities intensify their crackdown on demonstrators. Hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, as families struggle to obtain information from a nation experiencing a severe internet blackout.

The Iranian regime has labeled protestors as “troublemakers,” while the United States has hinted at the possibility of military intervention to support demonstrators. Davood Sabaei, a member of the Iranian diaspora in Scotland, described the past 80 hours as “devastating, difficult, and worrying.” He explained, “There’s a digital blackout in Iran. It is scary. We don’t know what’s happening there,” highlighting the challenges faced by those trying to keep in touch with family and friends.

Voices from the Diaspora

With international media restricted from reporting within Iran, the only glimpses into the situation come from videos captured on mobile phones. Sabaei remarked on the frustration of feeling disconnected, stating, “There are 90 million people living there, but we don’t know anything else. It is really difficult.”

Mahrou Jamali echoed these sentiments, describing the last few days as “hell.” She has been unable to reach her family and relies on limited information received through Starlink, a satellite internet service. “The videos are quite distressing. Bodies piled on bodies. You have people injured. You hear people screaming,” she shared, illustrating the grim reality faced by many.

Despite the violence, Jamali noted the resilience of the protestors. “On the other side, you see hundreds of thousands of people taking over streets and cities, storming the capital, screaming for what they want, which is foundational change, not reform,” she stated. This sentiment is echoed among many who are calling for a comprehensive revolution rather than mere adjustments to the current regime.

A Call for Change

Jamali expressed her optimism for a future where Iran is governed by secular and democratic principles. “We know what we want very clearly. This is not about reform or social or cultural problems – we want the Islamic Republic to leave Iran. We want people to have freedom of speech, to vote for who they want, and freedom of religion,” she asserted.

The protests reflect a deep-seated desire for transformative change among many Iranians, both at home and abroad. As violence continues to escalate, those in Scotland and around the world remain vigilant, hoping for a shift towards a more democratic and secular Iran.