Students at The University of Sheffield gathered outside the SU for a candlelight vigil in memory of Mahsa Amini, 22, who was killed by the Islamic Republic Morality Police for violating the compulsory hijab rules in Iran.
The open mic vigil on Monday 26 September saw students come together to share their experiences, fears, and concerns regarding the protests in Iran, and 43 years of control by their government.
An Iranian student told Forge Press about the moments shared during the Candle Light Vigil. She said: “I saw a girl who moved to the university recently to study. At the vigil, she was crying in my arms, hopelessly and saying she feels like a coward, unable to help as she watches our people fight for our freedom, our rights, and yet we can’t help but just sit and watch them die.
“In what world, do you get beaten up to death, taken to a van, and never heard of again? It’s not normal, and we have to keep spreading awareness to create a change.”
The protests in Iran have sparked a large International movement, with people from different ends of the world spreading awareness and standing in solidarity.
Organized in 150 cities, Iranian diaspora communities and human rights activists have launched unprecedented rallies throughout the world against the Islamic Republic.
Due to the rise in protests against the killing of Mahsa Amini, Iranian authorities have cut down the internet, mobile network, WhatsApp, and Instagram usage. This has left many international students with no means of communication to contact family members back home.
Human rights groups say as many as 233 protestors have been killed in Iran since the start of the protests.
In Toronto alone, 50,000 people were seen protesting, as a collective identity bringing everyone together.
‘Women, Life, Freedom’ are the slogans chanted during each protest. Promoting the notion that this uprising is not only a fight led by women, but also highlights human rights, and freedom for all.
The SU said in a statement: “We are working closely with the University to ensure the welfare of our students with Iranian citizenship.
Students who need support can access help through the University’s Welfare and Wellbeing team which includes one-to-one appointments with Wellbeing Advisors.
Additionally, from Monday 5 October, Student Mental Health, Counselling and Therapies Service are offering fast-track assessment appointments to students affected by the situation in Iran, which can be accessed by emailing mentalhealthcounselling@sheffield.ac.uk or calling on 0114 222 4134. When booking an appointment, students need to add Iranian Student Fast Track Appointment to the subject header on their email or mention this when they call.
Listening Ear, a service launched by the Persian society was created to help combat loneliness and create a safe space for Farsi-speaking individuals in Sheffield.
Their goal is to create a “one-on-one safe environment ‘in the form of pain and heart’ aimed at Iranian students to share their concerns over the uncertainty present back home”.
This is not an emergency helpline and the society urges students to call emergency helplines if needed.
