A year ago, the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini triggered an unprecedented protest movement in Iran against the authorities of the Islamic Republic. Women led demonstrations questioning the wearing of the hijab, which has since become the symbol of defiance against the oppressive government. Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, spoke to FRANCE 24 about it.
In the interview Reza Pahlavi recalled how the regime had tried to intimidate the Iranian people by shooting them in the face, executing them, and torturing them: “This is not a sign of stability, this is the sign of weakness!” he said.
Pahlavi said that the one-year anniversary of Amini’s death is a day to remember, but noted “we are entering a new phase of a campaign of resistance”.
He also said that in terms of donations, the money sent does not benefit the Iranian people. “The regime cannot be trusted”.
He noted it was too late for the Biden administration's attempt to resurrect the Iranian nuclear deal.
“The problem is the nature of the beast. If you eliminate the beast, every problem, including the nuclear enrichment in Iran, will be eliminated”.
What the Iranian people really want, he said, is "to live in peace”.
