A peaceful community gathering will take place in Armidale’s Central Park on Sunday, February 8, to show solidarity with people in Iran who are calling for democratic reform and an end to the current Islamic regime.
The event will run from 2 pm to 4 pm and is open to anyone in the local community who wishes to express support for Iranians protesting for political freedom, human rights and a democratic transfer of power. The gathering forms part of a wider global movement responding to ongoing unrest and human rights concerns in Iran.
Armidale resident Dr Mandana Arshi said the event aimed to raise awareness locally while offering public support for those whose voices were being suppressed overseas.
“You might be aware of what is happening in Iran these days,” Dr Arshi said. “Iranian people will gather in Central Park on Sunday from 2 pm to 4 pm to show their support for those who have been brutally killed by the Islamic regime. They are fighting for democracy and for their chosen leader, Prince Reza Pahlavi.”
In recent months, widespread protests have taken place across Iran, with demonstrators calling for democratic change and accountability. International reporting has indicated that large numbers of protesters have been killed, arrested or detained, while others have faced violence for participating in peaceful demonstrations.
The situation has drawn strong international concern, with Australia this week announcing additional sanctions targeting Iranian officials in response to reported human rights abuses. The measures follow allegations of mass arrests, violent crackdowns on protesters and nationwide internet and telecommunications blackouts aimed at restricting communication and reporting.
Many Iranians, both within the country and among the global diaspora, have rallied around exiled opposition figure Prince Reza Pahlavi as a unifying symbol for democratic reform. Prince Pahlavi is the son of Iran’s last monarch, who was removed from power during the 1979 revolution that led to the establishment of the Islamic Republic.
Now living in the United States, Prince Pahlavi has emerged as a central figure in calls for a peaceful transition to a democratically chosen government. Supporters say he represents national unity and a potential pathway away from authoritarian rule, while protests associated with the movement have reportedly been met with severe consequences inside Iran.
Dr Arshi said the Armidale gathering was also an opportunity to inform the wider community about the situation and encourage public engagement.
“We hope we can inform people in Armidale about the event and gain media coverage, so these issues are not ignored,” she said.
Organisers say the event will be peaceful and inclusive, with community members of all backgrounds encouraged to attend, learn more and stand in solidarity with the people of Iran.
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