As Iran enters a prolonged internet blackout, Queen’s students are taking to the streets to make sure the silence doesn’t go unnoticed.
Over fifty students and members of the Kingston community gathered on Jan. 16 to protest ongoing violence and human rights abuses in Iran. The rally, which was organized by the Iranian Association at Queen’s University (IAQU), started at Stauffer Library and then circled the Queen’s campus, repeating chants calling for a free Iran and holding signs drawing attention to the murder of protestors by the regime.
Before moving from Stauffer, co-president of the IAQU, Aila Payroveolia, ArtSci ’27, gave a speech to the crowd explaining the importance of showing solidarity with Iranians and raising awareness of their plight amongst students and faculty.
“As of today, reports indicate over 18,000 deaths as we enter the eighth day of the internet shutdown in Iran,” Payroveolia said. “We’re here to honour the bravery of those who’ve sacrificed their lives for a free Iran and to raise awareness among university students and media.”
The other co-president of the IAQU, Sara Hosseinifard, ArtSci ’28, then spoke about the history of protests in Iran.
“Iranians have been actively opposing this regime since its creation in ’79,” Hosseinifard said. “[…] The regime has responded with bullets, prisons, torture, and mass graves. The crimes of the Islamic Republic against the Iranian people include, but aren’t limited to, gender apartheid, massacres, killing protesters, systematic torture, rape, arrest and sexual harassment of minors.”
Student protestor chanting on Jan. 16 gathering. PHOTO BY YAEL RUSONIK.
At the protest, The Journal had the opportunity to speak more with both co-presidents about why they felt it was important to show up for Iran.
“The reason why we’re out here is simple. It’s to represent the voice of our people on our streets back home, who have been on internet blackout,” Payroveolia said. “Today is the ninth day they have had no internet. I have no idea what my family’s doing right now back home.”
Hosseinifard called on Queen’s to better acknowledge what Iranian students are going through, and to put academic, financial, and mental health supports in place for them wherever possible. In a written statement later sent to The Journal, the co-presidents elaborated on the effect the economic collapse in Iran is having on international students from the region.
“Imagine being an international student and not being able to pay your tuition because your money back home suddenly lost its worth,” the statement said. “Your Iranian classmates, lab partners, and friends are carrying this invisible weight every day. They’re navigating their studies while their hearts and minds are with their homeland, scrolling through traumatic images to check on loved ones they can’t call.”
The organizers said they hope their demonstrations lead to sustained awareness on campus and contribute to broader public and international pressure for accountability and the protection of civilian lives.
“Standing with Iranians isn’t a political act; it’s a commitment to truth, human rights, and the values that define a global academic community.”
Tags
(IAQU, Iran, Iranian Association at Queen’s University, Iranian protest
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Jim Moriarty
In freezing temperatures fifty kids stood up for what is right against a blood-soaked theocracy that has slaughtered more of its own citizens in the last 50 years than have died in Gaza.
May God bless and keep every single one of you.
And if ya ain’t religious, let it be said that you are damn fine people, and I’m grateful for your efforts.
Cha-gael baby!