Clad in green bandanas and carrying signs that read “Free Iran” and “Stop Killing Iranian People,” about 50 demonstrators took to the streets of Eugene on Friday afternoon in response to the violence in Iran following the country’s June 12 presidential election. The group of University students and Eugene residents gathered outside the EMU before marching downtown.
The main goal was to raise awareness and show support for the people suffering in Iran.
“Our brothers and sisters are getting brutally suppressed and killed,” said one of the organizers, a young Iranian living in Eugene who asked to remain anonymous because he feared violence against his family in Iran if he spoke out. “We just want to get the word out and let the people of Eugene know about this and know what’s happening.”
The rally was a spontaneous action among a group of friends who wanted to voice their opinions about the elections and the ensuing violence. They organized through Facebook, Twitter, e-mail and word-of-mouth.
“This is the least we can do being so far from Iran,” said 25-year-old Moji, a University student from Iran who refused to give his last name because he was concerned for his family’s safety. Like Moji, many participants were Iranian, but a significant number of non-Iranian University students and community members were also present. “Today we are all Iranians,” one sign read.
University network engineer Mohammad Maleki, a rally participant, said this is not the first time doubt has surrounded election results in Iran. Some speculate that similar events took place in the previous election.
“This time, however, the vote dispute was so high and people were so angry that they couldn’t let the government get away with this,” Maleki said. “I really hope that people get their rights and that the government respects their votes. That’s not really asking for too much. According to the constitution, majority should rule.”
But protestors worldwide feel the re-election of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad represents the actions of the Iranian government rather than Iranian voters.
“It goes back to the fundamental beliefs of the ruling system and who aligns with their ideals,” Maleki said.
As the protestors left the University campus, they walked in silence at first. But as they progressed down E. 13th Avenue, they began chanting: “Freedom for Iran, Justice for Iran.” Passersby honked their car horns and shouted in support.
The march ended downtown at the Wayne Morse Free Speech Plaza. Following a minute of silence, participants sang the Iranian national anthem.
“I would like to see a fair voting system in Iran and find out exactly what the results were,” attendee Karen Wilson said. “And I would like to see the violence stop.”
The anonymous organizer feels it is impossible to predict what will happen.
“I just hope that people will get what they want with the minimum cost,” he said. “I hope it ends very soon. That is my wish, my prayer.”
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