Two years ago, on September 16, 2022, the tragic death of Mahsa (Jina) Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman in the custody of Iran’s “morality police,” ignited a nationwide uprising. Her name became a global symbol for the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement, as millions across Iran and the world rose up to demand justice, dignity, and fundamental human rights. Today, we remember her, honor the sacrifices made, and renew our commitment to the unfinished fight.
The unyielding spirit and its heavy price
The courage of the Iranian people has been met with brutal force. In the years since Mahsa’s death, the toll has been staggering. According to UN fact-finding missions and human rights groups:
- At least 551 protesters have been killed by security forces, including dozens of women and minors.
- Tens of thousands have been arrested, with some estimates exceeding 30,000 people detained in connection with the protests.
Women have been at the heart of this movement, not just as symbols but as leaders and defiant actors. They have faced imprisonment, torture, and death for acts of resistance like removing their hijabs or leading protests. Prisons like Evin have become new fronts in the struggle, with female political prisoners launching hunger strikes to protest horrific conditions and abuse. These numbers, though shocking, likely understate the reality due to reporting restrictions and state-imposed fear.
A global echo of solidarity
The fight for freedom in Iran has resonated across the world, creating a powerful chorus of international solidarity. This sentiment is captured perfectly in a message from Dr. Mai Sato, which reflects the urgent need for both remembrance and action:
“I hope we never forget the women of Iran who led the most powerful feminist revolution of our time. It has been two years since the death of #MahsaAmini. Her death sparked #WomanLifeFreedom protests. Over 500 were killed. 20,000 were arrested. The fight is not over. #Iran”
— Dr. Mai Sato (@drmaisato on X)
This global solidarity found a powerful local expression in Basel, Switzerland. Verein Welle, together with exiled Iranians and human rights supporters, held a demonstration (Kundgebung) honoring the victims. By displaying photographs of those killed and still imprisoned, the gathering served as a poignant reminder that these are not just statistics, but human lives. It was a call to ensure the voices of the oppressed in Iran are never forgotten.
The flame of resistance burns on
While the large-scale street protests of 2022-23 have subsided under violent suppression, the movement is far from over. Resistance continues in countless acts of daily defiance: women walking in public without a hijab, families of victims demanding justice, and prisoners insisting on their dignity. The spirit of “Woman, Life, Freedom” lives on in these courageous acts.
Simultaneously, the state’s brutal repression continues unabated. Harsh sentences, torture, and the intimidation of families remain central tactics of control. In this climate, international attention is more critical than ever. The work of the UN, diaspora activists, and organizations like ours plays a vital role in documenting abuses and pushing for accountability.
Our unwavering commitment: a call to action
This anniversary is a moment to renew our commitment. We must move beyond commemoration to concrete action. We demand:
- Justice for Mahsa Amini: Full accountability for her death and for all protesters killed, disappeared, or tortured.
- Freedom for Political Prisoners: The immediate and unconditional release of all those unjustly imprisoned for demanding their rights.
- Sustained International Pressure: Consistent and impactful action from global governments and institutions to hold Iran’s leadership accountable.
Solidarity means sharing these stories, supporting activists, and demanding that our leaders stand firmly for human rights. The fight is not over, and we cannot afford to look away.
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