Protests in Iran increase

[Ihatetomatoes]

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg7y0579lp8o.amp

As another poster has hinted, it would probably be optimistic to assume that forums like this are untouched by efforts to shape narrative & agendas, given how accessible they are as channels of influence for a wide range of governments and organisations.

We mustn’t forget that among the Useful Idiots, there are Paid Idiots among us.

Well said. I just don’t understand how some vague concept of “resistance” can override reality for some (many) people.

Absolutely. There have been some, shall we say, rather interesting contributions on here lately.

I agree.

Yet, we have people on mumsnet attempting to discredit the protesters and call them 'rioters', whilst supporters of the regime are applauded. Sad that they ignore the plight of Iranians who are repressed, slaughtered, detained and awaiting execution whilst supporting the brutal regime. Appalling, and all from the comfort and freedom of the west.

Are you peace loving? Would you like to see peace?

So you disagree with what the Iranians say in the tiktok video. But the point is, they were saying it. So I said there are two different narratives and that is exactly right, whether you agree with it or not.

Re your comment about fake, I really can't comment at all as it isn't my area of expertise. Do you have any credible sources you can link?

Re the use of the word rioters, in fact Trump was using that word too and NB the word rioters does not relate to the issue or what they were protesting about, it relates to the behaviour. Were buildings being burned and destroyed? If they were, that is rioting. Are you aware that other countries including the US have accused outside agents of causing riots, and therefore the concept is not new or shocking? You are also riding roughshod over what fellow countrymen are saying because you disagree with them, do you agree with that analysis or do you accept that other iranians may genuinely have different views from you?

Nothing good comes from forcing things through armed conflict. If you want genuine change in Iran then you should lobby for specific changes.

Why they were burned is a different point.

Why were they burned, can you set out your thoughts and feelings about this? It is better to do that than try to control others' language.

@ilikepotattiesI’m not sure why you are posting as such but it’s not a good read given the violent oppression in Iran

This is a good point. And the suspicion is that it is caused by outside agents. It would be interesting to explore this a little further.

Just to reiterate, the MNers here have repeated what Iranians have said. I am not sure why you are consistently ignoring that point.

Okay, well I have said it more than once but I will repeat. I have repeated what has been said by other Iranians/shown by other Iranians. Both sides need to be heard if you are thinking about what the people want and what the people say. I am being more democratic in this respect than anyone who says differently and that should be a good read.

There are appalling human rights problems in every country. I believe in fighting for human rights in all countries. I don't believe in regime changes which are being pushed for by money men and trying to discredit others by misquoting them endlessly.

What proof is there that it is 'caused by outside agents'?
Exactly how do you expect anybody to 'lobby for specific changes in Iran' when they are in the grip still of the Islamist regime'?

You’re not giving the people there a chance and you sound as if you back the regime.

You’re missing the point repeatedly.

No one is denying that there are different narratives! if support for the regime was truly widespread and overwhelming across the country like you seem to think it is, why did they feel the need to put the country into a digital lockdown? I’ll tell you why: the numbers against the regime far outweigh anything the pro-regime supporters are showing

You keep asking for “credible sources” and “official evidence” for events happening inside a state that shuts down the internet, arrests journalists, and criminalises dissent. Expecting neat documentation in that context is either naive or deliberately disingenuous.

This is why lived testimony from Iranians matters. There are many with far larger platforms on social
media who are explaining the reality in detail and addressing exactly the questions you keep raising- if you’re really that interested I suggest you look it up if you’re so keen for constant physical evidence.

I provided evidence showing some of the images from that so-called pro-regime rally were fake, and suddenly you claim you “can’t comment” because you’re not an expert. If I were presenting this as a pro-regime supporter, I’m certain you would be taking my word for it, which makes it clear where your sympathies lie. I’m speaking as an Iranian about what I and those close to me have experienced, and instead of engaging with that, you keep picking apart minor points.

Repeating state and mainstream media framing while claiming it only refers to behaviour ignores how protest movements are routinely delegitimised. Focusing on property damage while people are being killed, imprisoned, and tortured says far more about your perspective than the reality on the ground.

Finally, the suggestion that Iranians should simply lobby for change shows a complete misunderstanding of how Iran works politically. If lobbying worked, we would not be in this position after decades of repression.

At this point, I don’t see this discussion going anywhere productive with you, so I’ll leave it here

I’ll answer this one question for you and explain why context matters. I don’t usually like talking about this, but you’re absolutely doing my head in. This is the reality: my own father was beaten to an inch of his life in a mosque because he opposed the regime. He was taken for questioning and tortured. That is why we could not stay in Iran, his life and therefore our lives would be in constant danger. This is the kind of state we live under, and this is what my people have endured. So when you sit there questioning or picking apart every detail, you have no idea what the reality actually feels like

I'm so sorry for what you and your family have gone through. Some of the posts on this thread are disgraceful. 💐

From me too.

Nothing good comes from forcing things through armed conflict. If you want genuine change in Iran then you should lobby for specific changes.

In Iran who exactly should be lobbied for these specific changes?
Actaully, I think you’re taking the p.

No there are not human rights abuses on this scale in other countries. It is not democratic to amplify the regime's talking points. The vast majority of Iranians do not want this barbaric regime.

Thank you for posting. I'm so sorry for what your family has endured and pray Iranians are free from this horror soon.

That sounds absolutely awful. No wonder people in Iran are protesting in their millions.
Thank you for sharing your family’s experiences 💐

When someone’s response to the current situation in Iran is: “There are appalling human rights problems in all countries”, it does make one wonder why they are so determined to minimise the atrocities committed by the Iranian regime.

Doesn't it!? I think we can ignore regime shills

I agree.