Protesters call for change in Iran

A silent vigil was held outside the U.N. Headquarters yesterday to raise awareness for the ongoing struggles faced in Iran after their June 2009 elections and to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the Iranian Revolution in 1979.

Around 50 silent protesters, mouths covered in black tape and feet grounded in solidarity, held up signs opposing the violent treatment of protesters in Iran. They also called for freedom of expression and freedom of the press in Iran.

The event was organized by Amnesty International in conjunction with United4Iran, the Student World Assembly and Where's My Vote NY.

According to Amnesty International, over 5,000 protesters have been detained in Iran since the presidential election last June. Of those, 80 are believed to have been executed, the organization said.

Executive director of Amnesty International USA Larry Cox voiced his concerns for Iran while joining the peaceful protest.

"We're here to show our solidarity with the people who are trying to exercise their basic human rights, and to let them know that they have not been forgotten," Cox said. "It's been hard to get a lot of information out of the country with the government cracking down, but I think it's important now that the world comes together and says that this is not the way to handle the situation Iran faces."

One activist, Jeff Beheshti, said he personally experienced violence in Iran.

"I was in prison in Iran for six years after the revolution, and left to find freedom," Beheshti said. "It is our duty to stand up to the Iranian government. It is a time to oppose, and be the voices of those who cannot speak."

Following the demonstration, the protesters and the media were invited to a press conference with Cox, current affairs analyst Hamid Dabashi, Amnesty International representative for the United Nations Yvonne Terlingen, Iranian-American immigration and civil rights attorney Bitta Mostofi and director of the International Campaign for Human Rights Hadi Ghaemi.

Dabashi likened the protest to the civil rights movement of the U.S.

"Like President Lincoln, we are seeking to bring a bitterly divided nation together once more," Dabashi said. "We are morally and historically responsible to do this."

The speakers said while steps should be taken by the international community to raise their voices and demand justice for Iran, physical and military intervention will only further intensify violence in the country.

"My concern is with this movement," Dabashi said. "It is a long run to change, it is a marathon. Your gunpowder will be no good to us."

Samantha Wilson is a contributing writer.