A source was provided anonymity after expressing a credible need for protection.

Members of the Iranian Student Association gathered in Speakers Circle Thursday afternoon to raise awareness for unrest across Iran.

Protests against the Islamic Republic of Iran began in late December as Iranian citizens called for a new, democratic regime. In retaliation, the Iranian government has killed at least 3,000 civilians, with some estimates reaching 20,000.

Due to an internet shutdown in Iran, less information about the protests has been available to those outside the country. As expected death tolls continue to climb, demonstrations have taken place across the globe in cities like Tokyo, Toronto, Kansas City and St. Louis.

At the University of Missouri, members of the Iranian Student Association hoped to join the movement and make the Columbia community aware of the dangers Iranian civilians are facing.

Dozens of demonstrators brought posters displaying images of those who have been killed while calling for freedom in Iran. Many held up the Lion and Sun flag, a historic Iranian flag from before the Islamic Revolution in 1979 that has become a symbol of resistance for some protesters.

Protesters chanted “freedom for Iran” and “no more atrocities,” calling attention to the situation as people walked through Speakers Circle. According to one demonstrator, several passersby stopped to listen to the demonstrators so they could learn more about the situation.

Members of the Iranian Student Association were aware that hosting the demonstration could put them at risk. However, one of the organizers said it was important to all of them that they spread awareness of the protests in Iran.

“We honestly put ourselves at a pretty big risk,” the organizer said. “Not just me, everyone involved. But I talked to my people about it first, like the risks, the warnings, all of that … and they still wanted me to go for the gathering. They were like, ‘It’s worth it,’ because the main goal is raising awareness for people all around the world.”

Edited by Erin Hynes | [email protected]
Copy edited by Avery Copeland | [email protected]
Edited by Maya Bensaoud | [email protected]
Edited by Chase Pray | [email protected]