Brian Hioeby Brian Hioe
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Photo Credit: Brian Hioe
A SOLIDARITY RALLY for protests in Iran was held today in Liberty Plaza. The protests began in December last year, against the theocratic and authoritarian Iranian government. Repression by the Iranian government has left tens of thousands dead. To date, it is estimated that 16,000 people have been killed, 19,000 arrested, and 330,000 injured.
The solidarity rally was primarily organized by student groups. These were Action to Defend Students’ Rights, the National Cheng Chi University Seed Club, National Taiwan University Labor Club, National Taiwan Normal University Humanity Club, and Resistance United.
At the same time, the rally was sparsely attended, with fewer than ten participants, though this did include some Iranians. Organizers stated that this reflected how Iran is a cause that is not very well-known in Taiwan. Participants held up signs with slogans, including the “Women, Life, Freedom” slogan of the demonstrations, as well as an Iranian flag with the emblem of the Islamic Republic cut out.
Indeed, more broadly speaking, this is not the only cause that has received little attention in Taiwan. Palestine is also a cause that is not very well-known, in spite of that the genocide conducted by Israel has gone on for over two years.
Photo credit: Brian Hioe
In part, this reflects a profound indifference by Taiwan to events in certain geographies. However, it should also be noted that coverage of international affairs in Taiwan is often sourced from western media. Western media, too, has provided little coverage of events in Iran. The sparse media coverage occurs in spite of the death toll to date, which is comparable to other major conflicts around the world at present.
At the start of the event, organizers summarized the ongoing events in Iran. Statements from Iranian organizations, including labor organizers and union groups, were read. The actions of the Iranian regime were highlighted as violating fundamental human rights in the face of international indifference. To this end, organizers expressed solidarity with the ongoing demonstrations and condemned not only the crackdown on peaceful protesters but also the intervention of the US and Israel with their geopolitical aims in mind.