Priyanka Chopra Jonas, a famous actress around the world, has joined the ranks of those who have spoken out in support of the Iranian women protesting the execution of Mahsa Amini.
On September 13th, as Mahsa and her brother, and other family members were leaving a Tehran metro station, she was arrested. She was detained because she allegedly did not adhere to Iran’s mandate that all females wear hijab headscarves and dress modestly. The authorities said Mahsa was in a coma for three days before she died “of natural causes,” but activists believe she died from a fatal blow to the head.
In the two weeks since Mahsa Amini’s death, thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets to protest the government’s conservative rules regarding women.
In rallies and demonstrations, women all over the world have shown support for Iranian women by cutting or shaving their hair in public or on camera.
Priyanka Chopra’s online show of solidarity follows that of many other women.
She then posted the following on Instagram: “To show their support for Mahsa Amini, a young woman whose life was brutally cut short by the Iranian Morality Police for wearing her hijab “Improperly,” women in Iran and around the world are publicly cutting their hair and raising their voices. When people finally break their decades-long silence, it will be like a volcano erupting. And it is not possible, nor is it desirable, to try to stop them.”
Her comment was as follows: “As someone who admires both bravery and direction, I find your actions to be inspiring. Challenge the patriarchal establishment and fight for your rights, but be aware that you may be risking your life. But you’re strong women who keep going every day even though you know it will hurt you.”
Priyanka pleaded with the government and those in positions of power to listen to the protesters and address their concerns.
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“We need to listen to their call, learn about the problems, and then raise our collective voices in solidarity with the movement if we want it to have any lasting impact. We need to recruit everyone with sway over others. Evidence from the numerical analysis is important. Join the ranks of those who are raising their voices in support of this vital cause.
Keep up with the news and make your voice heard so that people like this won’t feel they have to keep quiet any longer. If you need me, I’ll be here for you. The three j’s: jin, jiyan, and azaadi. Femininity, immortality, independence, “Then, she elaborated.
Elnaaz Norouzi has been an outspoken advocate for women in Iran long before Priyanka did.