100 Days of Iran Hijab Protests... Why Did BBC Call It Special?

BBC "Protests Involve All Classes... Especially Led by Women and Youth"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] As Iran's anti-government protests mark 100 days, the British public broadcaster BBC reported that these protests are the longest-lasting anti-government demonstrations in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

On the 26th (local time), BBC reported that nationwide anti-government protests occurred in Iran in 2017 due to economic policy failures, and large-scale protests also took place in 2019 over the government's gasoline price hikes, but this current protest is special. This is because people from all social classes are participating in the protests, and women are playing a leading role under the slogan "Women, Life, Freedom."

BBC also evaluated that it is unique that the youth generation born in the mid-to-late 1990s is playing a central role by standing at the forefront of the protesters and leading the demonstrations. The youth are resisting strict religious rule by creating new protest trends, such as burning the hijabs they were wearing.

Among the young protesters, the so-called "turban removal," where they take off the turbans worn by privileged clerics and make them flee, is also reportedly becoming popular. BBC explained that this act symbolizes resistance to the regime by removing the turban, which represents access to privilege, oppression, corruption, and entitlement.

Famous Iranian actress Taraneh Alidoosti. Photo by Instagram screenshot.

In this context, celebrities such as actors who supported the protests have been arrested by authorities. Iran's famous actress Taraneh Alidoosti was arrested on the 17th after criticizing the state's executions of protesters and is currently detained in a prison.

BBC stated, "Taraneh is currently imprisoned in the notorious Evin Prison after condemning the executions of young protesters," adding, "She had previously posted photos holding signs that read 'Women, Life, Freedom' and removing her hijab."

Meanwhile, the Iranian Human Rights Activists News Agency has counted that 500 people, including 69 children, have died during the protests so far. It also explained that two protesters have been executed, and at least 26 people are scheduled for execution.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.