Iran is experiencing massive protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman, after she was taken into custody by the nation’s morality police for allegedly wearing her headscarf improperly. Thousands of people, from schoolgirls to oil and gas workers, have taken to the streets to protest police brutality, Iran’s strict morality laws, and, increasingly, the regime. Popular slogans among protestors include “Woman, Life, Freedom” and “death to the dictator.”
In Nashville, the Iranian and Kurdish communities have held several demonstrations in solidarity with the protests in Iran in an effort to raise awareness of what’s going on. Many still have family in Iran and worry for their safety. In this episode, we’re joined by members of the local Iranian and Kurdish communities to hear about their concerns.
But first, Mayor John Cooper and the Tennessee Titans recently announced a deal to build a new $2.18 billion domed stadium. At the top of the show, WPLN metro reporter Ambriehl Crutchfield explains how this will impact Nashville tax payers.
Guests:
- Ambriehl Crutchfield, WPLN metro reporter
- Maryam Abolfazli, Iranian-American who has attended protests in Nashville
- Ramona Heidari, Iranian-American who helped organize Nashville protests
- Reza Sharif, Iranian-American
- Ariana Blourchian, Brentwood High School student who attended protests in Nashville
Additional reading:
NPR: Why Iranian women are burning their hijabs after the death of Mahsa Amini
NPR: Iran’s government is struggling to control growing women’s rights protests
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