Carlisle offers solidarity in vigil held for Iran protests

The vigil, which was held outside Carlisle's Old Town Hall on October 7, saw members of both the Iranian and Cumbrian community gather in solidarity and sang a song in the memory of Mahsa Amini (a young girl who died in custody after being arrested by the Iran 'morality police' because her hair was out of her hijab) and most recently, teenager Nika Shakarami, a sixteen-year-old who was killed after protesting.

It's been 25 days since the death of Mahsa Amini, with the subsequent protests leaving a death figure reaching nearly 200 people, according to human rights groups.

Mina Banisaeid, the vigil organiser from Iran who has been living in Carlisle for the past three years, said: "It was my duty and responsibility to all the people of Iran to organise this vigil and show our support and solidarity with them and to raise awareness about the situation.

"This protest started with women and for women's rights but now it is now for all human rights," she said.

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Mina, who still has family living in Iran, described her home country as a 'dark place' at the moment and also said it is becoming increasingly difficult to contact friends and family now that the authorities have cut off the country's internet access.

Carlisle community turns out to show support for those protesting in Iran. Credit: CRAG (Image: PA)

"They are trying to silence the voice of Iran," she said.

"It means limited access for people in Iran to the rest of the world and not being able to share what is happening in Iran from inside. It's a suppressing strategy. But all over the world, Iranian people are protesting and being the voice of Iran and are asking for help.  

"We are asking for help from people all around the world to stand with us. It's a very dark place at the moment in Iran.

"We're hoping to have a brighter future and free Iran.  

"We hope all countries around the world put more sanctions on the Iranian government, put pressure on them and be there for the people of Iran.

"We know the politics is complicated but this time is the time for action and the chance for governments to show that they care for human rights and people - it's what we expect, especially from the UK government. 

"It should be a fight for all around the world, not just for Iran," she said. 

Mina would like anyone within the Cumbrian/Iranian community who wishes to get in touch or wishes arrange a similar Cumbria-wide event to get in touch via mina.banisaeid86@gmail.com.

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