How Iran's repression machine works

And the protesters rising up against it.
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The death of Mahsa Amini at the hands of Iran's "morality police" on September 16, 2022 sparked major protests in Iran. The morality police arrested Amini for improperly wearing her hijab, and after they allegedly beat her, she fell into a coma and died. Protests began by asking for accountability. They’re now demanding regime change.
In theory, Iranians have a democratic branch they can use to fight for change under the regime. But it's actually all part of the same power structure controlled by Iran’s autocratic supreme leader. Iranians are forced to voice their objections in the streets because the system that protects the morality police, the supreme leader, and the entire power structure of Iran was designed to fight dissent.
During the 1979 revolution, the Iranian military declared neutrality. This led to the shah’s downfall, but it also caused the Supreme Leader to decide he needed a whole new loyal army to protect himself and his ideology. It’s this other arm of Iran’s power system that is also out on the streets, cracking down on protesters, hoping to keep the existing structure in place - the same system many Iranians have been fighting against for 40 years.
Further reading and sources:
This video simplifies Iran’s power structure to focus on the elements relevant to our story and the ongoing protests. There’s a lot more to learn about - to explore the full power structure of Iran and all its branches, check out:
iranprimer.usip.org/resource/...
This Council on Foreign Relations piece also describes the country’s power structure in detail:
www.cfr.org/article/islamic-r...
If you’d like to read more about the role of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) check out this Foreign Policy article:
foreignpolicy.com/2022/10/18/...
Amnesty’s leaked documents referenced in the video can be found here:
www.amnesty.org/en/documents/...
To understand the origins of the ancient Persian tradition of women cutting their hair as a sign of protest, check out this CNN article: www.cnn.com/2022/09/28/middle...
Vox.com is a news website that helps you cut through the noise and understand what's really driving the events in the headlines. Check out www.vox.com.
Watch our full video catalog: goo.gl/IZONyE
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Or Twitter: goo.gl/XFrZ5H

[@mohsenghodsi1439]

I am currently living in Iran, I have participated in the protests, have been beaten nearly to death, and I was almost arrested once. I'll be glad to answer any of your questions if you're curious to know detailed truths

[@Flex000Fusion]

Take care, good times will come. Stay strong

[@kndrs7931]

@react aerospace and what are yours?

[@annasabdulle]

it's sick that you think thiests are "irrational" and "inhumane" Were did freedom of expression go, huh?

[@boahhist]

dadashi tazagorata kamtar shodan? az che shari hasti?

[@kndrs7931]

No amount of factfinding out foreign journalism can get a feel of the so called zeitgeist in Iran at the moment, I'm half Iranian too but most of my family is in areas where the protests are few and far between so I don't get as much on the ground news as some other Iranians. I know that the majority of the population is definitely against the regime and supports the protests, but in the past there have always been the rifts in regular society where some do support it and some don't. Would you say that the number of civilians who back the regime are so few that at this point it's as simple as the people vs the government, or are there still somewhat significant groups of civilian society who support the regime?

[@cersaia1792]

The protests are still going strong by the way

[@ki2319]

In your dreams lol

[@alinaqirizvi1441]

Maybe in your imaginary la la land that you've projected onto Iran

[@jesusofnazareth3507]

Iran is very likely go into a civil war just like Iraq, Syria and Libya. Then it would be thousand times worse than the current situation.

[@Zionistequalsfascist]

Not anymore

[@barontuna]

@@Zionistequalsfascist they still are ongoing

[@alimonajemi6073]

Pls cover more topics like this. Iranian people (not only protesters) are cracking down "everyday" in different ways.

[@akshayprabhu7022]

But they wanted same regime in 1979....😂

[@parsahasselhoff7986]

@@akshayprabhu7022 Improve your English

[@AmirGTR]

@@akshayprabhu7022 It was a bait and switch scam

[@jesusofnazareth3507]

Western nations are largely reasonable for this current oppressive regime's ascending to power. Before the revolution, 84% of Iran's oil revenue used to go in the Western hands and Iranians were left with only 16%. The Shah regime was filled with corruption. There was virtually no democracy at all. Dissidents were either jailed or executed. But Western nations continued to support this regime despite all of these. If Western nations didn't do these, we could have a democratically elected government in Iran right now.

[@Didisnsis]

@@jesusofnazareth3507 nah, not following that gutter religion

[@sour5327]

Iran is filled to the brim with such a rich culture and a beautiful people. It’s so upsetting to see our country stuck in this system.

[@akshayprabhu7022]

Just don't forget what ur ancestors did to Zoroastrians... 😢

[@mm-qq7bb]

@@akshayprabhu7022 Zoroastrians is an ancient iranian religion, duh

[@toolbaggers]

As an untainted outsider to both Iran and US regimes, I see very disturbing parallels. Supreme Leader is akin to Wall Street, Guardian Council is the Supreme court and the IRGC/Morality police is merely the Iranian versions of Homeland Security, ICE, local sheriffs. Iran and the US are both fanatical religious extremist countries with repressive militarized governments.

[@MrMr-ws3tv]

Yeah Islam is good a ruining countries

[@schadenfreude6274]

@@akshayprabhu7022 Please learn to use your brain a little more before you comment ok? :)

[@shumiejonah1918]

I can’t even imagine living in a country with “morality police”

[@lukemurray4950]

That's exactly what the west has been creating and is using but people are too blind to see it!

[@xehsanx]

But ypu are from Africa 😮😅

[@slayermate07]

Morality police exists in all forms. In Iran it’s called as it is, in the west it’s called the social network.

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

@@slayermate07 The difference is that social networks are not government agents...

[@sepehrsahali4214]

@@slayermate07 social network? You don't have any idea about Islamic Republic. They're Unconscionable murderers

[@mathieubyron2038]

as a historian, I love that you include Iran's history as a part of this. People forget and/or they don't care and it is important for us to continue to understand that knowing the past can help us understand the present before us.

[@lolgod1695]

I definitely agree, but the part the US and the UK played in reinstating the Shah's rule for oil interest was glaringly absent.

[@negariadesign4660]

Shah was not a dictator by himself but the constitution at that time gave him much power and he was trying to reform toward a fully democratic constitution. But Soviet Union made a coup and toppled him. There was no revolution at that time, it was a coup. People loved him and still do love him. All story you hear about his cruelty is lie made by the left.

[@abdulaziz-kt5ih]

You're a historian and you didn't mind vox excluding UK and USA? Why?

[@mathieubyron2038]

@@abdulaziz-kt5ih they’ve done other videos on Iran where they’ve mentioned us & uk. I’m well aware of their role and I’ve also followed vox long enough to know this

[@abdulaziz-kt5ih]

@@mathieubyron2038 yeah they've talked about it before but I think in this video more context would've been a lot more helpful.

[@Booksandstrawberries]

"Morality police" sounds like something straight out of 1984.

[@arvinkt]

Thank you Vox for reporting on this!

[@FA-rn1nc]

In 1953, CIA-assisted coup overthrew the democratically elected government in Iran. If that stayed, we could've seen a democratic, prosperous Iran today.

[@Magst3r1]

@@FA-rn1nc No one is claiming the CIA/the US as a whole is perfect

[@llawliet666]

@@Magst3r1 In fact, it is incredibly hypocritical and flawed.

[@sam_mirza]

Sect /Firqa preachers took the desert clothing that is needed in sand storms and called it religion. The word HIJAB is used in the Quran but NOT for Ladies in Quran 24.31. The word is KHIMAR. Khimar just means COVERING (They’ve added head, hair, face to the word “covering”) Quran 24.31 (part) //… put forth the KHIMARs over the JAYBs …// Put forth the COVER over the Jayb. Please notice it just gives importance to: “Cover the Jayb” Jayb means OPENING (Like an opening in a shirt for creating a pocket - some translate it as Bosoms coz that’s where the Jayb is) They will then point out Quran 33.59 but see what it says in that verse also: “…JILBAB over themselves…” JILBAB- outer clothing (wearing of decent clothes over the underwears as OUTER CLOTHING) (Please NOTICE:- No head, hair, face cover even in this verse)

[@Lampredi4]

Characteristic of American media to start their story with the shah’s dethronement and not with the Anglo-American coup that enthroned the shah

[@mytruecrimelibrary]

The Iranian people are so brave 💔

[@mytruecrimelibrary]

@react aerospace they're braver than you'll ever be

[@bltvd]

Not brave enough to stand up for their women!

[@FinneasJedidiah]

@@bltvd have you watched the videos? And you know that the women of Iran are part of the people of Iran. Right?

[@bltvd]

@@FinneasJedidiah I am saying that if the Iranian men were real men they would not allow this to happen to their women. I think you understood that but just desperately wanted to make a comment.

[@vinnielalumia]

The Iranian people allowed this in the 1st place. Reap what they sow

[@jagotiberan2181]

Rest of the video is great; to add context to the Shah -> Supreme Leader transition, as an American, I’d feel guilty NOT pointing out that the CIA had significant documented influence on installing the Shah in 1953 in the first place, which is a fact many knew and also contributed to the 1979 revolutions

[@souvikrc4499]

The CIA also failed to predict the 79 revolution

[@user-ir8wi3xq1f]

@@souvikrc4499 The 1979 revolution was itself a western op.

[@nopurpd]

I do not like how they omitted that from the history summary. Also, at 2:53, those are paintball guns, not weapons as implied. I haven't watched the rest so I can't complain more but this is shaky journalism at best.

[@toolbaggers]

As an untainted outsider to both Iran and US regimes, I see very disturbing parallels. Supreme Leader is akin to Wall Street, Guardian Council is the Supreme court and the IRGC/Morality police is merely the Iranian versions of Homeland Security, ICE, local sheriffs. Iran and the US are both fanatical religious extremist countries with repressive militarized governments.

[@a.r.s]

@@souvikrc4499 CIA actually gave them the green light. They wanted the Shah gone!

[@bjorkhag8483]

Religion and government should never mix!!

[@diogovasconcellosdasilva1634]

True

[@ryuhayabusa9728]

Government is the religion of many deluded people and politicians are priests.

[@shinigummyl1586]

So true

[@thesaudiman2108]

The fact is the problem is not the religion itself Iran says they follow Islam but the way they run themselves says the opposite starting from sleeping with women without marriage and Iranian Clerks sleeping with young boys and praying to a person instead of a god alone this is blasphemy and your considered exiled from Islam so this proves that they don’t follow Islam rather they’re following something that they have created themselves.

[@abdulaziz-kt5ih]

Foreign countries should never overthrow other country democratically elected governments for their own interests!!

[@Bizzmillah]

This is a prime example of keeping church and state separate.

[@nelsonkiiru7252]

Exactly!! Honestly religion can become oppressive at times especially if it's too enforced in people's lives.

[@Aiden_Muslim]

So when 1 issue happens in a state ruled by religion suddenly it becomes a problem? Look at all Islamic countries how rich and wealthy and high quality life-style they have. Another example Russia and America, 2 secular countries yet having major issues in them. Will you now say remove secularism?

[@Aiden_Muslim]

@@nelsonkiiru7252 Extremely foul logic.

[@QWERTY-gp8fd]

@@Aiden_Muslim murica is richest country in the world pal. in islamic nations there is isis, al queda.

[@Aiden_Muslim]

@@QWERTY-gp8fd Extremely foul logic, yeah richest country doesn't mean the people are rich it just means because the country has a lot people they can make a lot of money. The average Arab is making 2 to 3 times the amount the average American makes. Average American makes 42,500 and average Arab makes 97,200. Average tax rate in Muslim countries is 0% tax while the average tax rate in secular countries is around 33% and above. Big difference or maybe you skipped economics in your school. Average Muslim in Muslim countries gets a 30 holiday for every year worked with 2 to 3 days of weekly holidays while the average secular countries like Europe or America get 15 days for every year with 1 day of weekly holiday. Life quality in Muslim countries is much higher except the ones invaded by secular countries. Our life quality is much higher.

[@mcminecraftbrothers]

Completely missed the British and US involvement in establishing the Shah instead of socialist leadership, which had the domino effect of leading to the Islamic Republic in Iran

[@nickblackstone5772]

I was actually just thinking about a way to comment on that. I am from the USA I love my country but we have many problems and it is unfortunate our government is not willing to admit their mistakes and learn from them. Please try not to judge our citizens too harshly we have been lied to a lot by people in power. More videos like this showing the truth go a long way.

[@aimanraza]

I was looking for a comment like this. Like many issues, this has roots in European and U.S. imperialism

[@chadzahirshah2588]

@@aimanraza No this really doesn’t. The self-proclaimed “democratically elected leader” Mossadegh was actually appointed by the Shah and he violated the constitution and attempted to coup the government by suspending the parliament.

[@MeanMachine1992]

The _Islamic power structure_ and the desire of clerics to grab power has existed since the first democratic movements in Iran during the Qajar era and the constitutional monarchy (Mashroteh) movement. The backing of US and the UK in keeping the Pahlavi dynasty in power for less than 2 decades has had very little effect on that fact. Even Mossadegh himself hold onto power thanks to Kashani (another cleric) and was overthrown once Kashani withdrew his support. Today the Iranians categorically reject Islamic rule and want separation of religion from the government. Islamic culture and the Islamic way of life has all but collapsed in Iran due to the experience of living under the Islamic Republic and witnessing firsthand that the Mullahs actually don't practice what they preach. Most Iranians today are agnostotheists, if not atheists, thanks to the 44 years of the Islamic Republic.

[@monstajoedev]

@@nickblackstone5772 Thank you bro. I’ve been waiting for this 🙌

[@saminyusefi5732]

I am from Iran and all I can say is that this time it's different. Woman, life, freedom🕊

[@unknown2702]

You are free to get your freedom just leave Iran

[@unknown2702]

It's just so simple to get your so called freedom (western backed) just leave the country in peace ✌️

[@andrewm3961]

What is the purpose of burning the hijab?

[@r32fx49]

🤣

[@Rosie-fk9mf]

@@unknown2702 Palestinians should just leave Palestine if they want peace! It’s easy!

[@alipanahi5374]

This is one of the most accurate videos I've seen about what my people are going through right now. I'm thankful for your efforts to be precise. If only you informing other non-Iranians could have actually helped us Iranians in our endeavors... :)

[@whoisvahid]

yeah if we edit the Ali Veza out.

[@dotto9722]

accurate?? 💀💀

[@sardamdar]

The forces wearing black costumes are actually one of police force departments. The big problem is that the government tell the Basij forces to wear normal clothes so that they would not be distinguishable from other normal people, and with that they can spy on people or act whenever it is needed without any problem.

[@jancarlosmanon4556]

Do you think that doesn't happen in America?

[@samsonsoturian6013]

Most of these guys don't work for any government, though. They're just armed gangs extorting people.

[@sirskirmish6927]

Duhh... That is what they call intelligence gathering. It happens everywhere.

[@sardamdar]

@@sirskirmish6927 They are not just spying. They are a military with a different name, fully armed, disguised among people. For example there are news that when they are patrolling or are on a checkpoint, people can not recognize them because they think they are thief or something , so they don't want to stop, and the Basij or IRGC starts shooting them.

[@irubberyouglueonethousand5384]

revolution needs to be televised

[@tango_doggy]

The song says otherwise

[@skp8748]

Like Canadian truckers or french yellow vests or Dutch farmers huh

[@muntyal-bazaz2663]

There ain’t no revolution gonna happen, Iran has been thru this before and they still standing. The regime is too strong while enforcing their religion, it’s the ppl that are straying away from religion

[@garrylong2993]

@@skp8748 well they were very well televised, so yes

[@FA-rn1nc]

In 1953, CIA-assisted coup overthrew the democratically elected government in Iran. If that stayed, we could've seen a democratic, prosperous Iran today.

[@Aqua021]

BIG thanks to Vox for noticing.

[@alinaqirizvi1441]

Long Live the Islamic Republic

[@FA-rn1nc]

In 1953, CIA-assisted coup overthrew the democratically elected government in Iran. If that stayed, we could've seen a democratic, prosperous Iran today.

[@solabby33]

@@alinaqirizvi1441 yeah... sry to burst your bubble but Islamic republic is dead gone...🤷‍♀️🗽

[@Aqua021]

@@alinaqirizvi1441 ridam. zendegit ye joke

[@xalpacazeu1332]

@@FA-rn1nc Didn’t it have a shah…?

[@NovaRuner]

At first I hear the phrase “morality police” and think that it’s a joke or figure of speech….. then I realize that it’s serious, deadly serious. This story is terrible that bad stuff is happening to the people. From Canada I wish good luck to the people that are protesting.

[@AvithOrtega]

Morality police, heh funny... oh wait.....

[@syedbaqir2687]

Call it regime, Throw them , do whatever to them, At the end of the tunnel you will return to God. You can not hide, nor change and neither skip from death.

[@upscaleavenue]

It is very Orwellian. I am tempted to question if the Iranian and North Korean governments are intentionally trying to imitate the government of 1984.

[@anarcho.femboyism]

“Morality police” sounds like a made up term by conservatives to stoke fear for no reason

[@haruhisuzumiya6650]

The USA has morality police

[@asankajayaweera7212]

The torture that is happening against activusts in notorious Evin prison is horrible. I have read many stories regarding it.

[@northstar1878]

Haha

[@northstar1878]

@@secularhumanistforever lol it's very funny how Iran executes these women and men for going against them

[@razzle_dazzle]

What's with all the hidden comments?

[@Soda_Bobinski]

@@razzle_dazzle when someone starts being extremely racist or something youtube automatically hides it

[@java_siege_]

@@Soda_Bobinski Or just the automated spam filter. Innocent comments can get hidden too. Some people love to claim that KZbin intentionally deletes comments, but they’re just being held for judgement.

[@soheilsaze5488]

Oh god.... I can't bleave u covering about this... Thank you for explaning about morality police to the world ✌👌

[@Geniusignotus]

Don't worry mate the "morality police" and the mullahs will all soon be put to trial for killing Iranians and corrupting Iran

[@EmperorsNewWardrobe]

Thank you, Vox. Would love to hear more coverage like this as things develop. This was very simple and informative

[@Danimal1577]

"Simple" is Vox's m.o.

[@tannaz3844]

Thank you for covering this :(

[@Thebreakdownshow1]

Exactly the video I was waiting for, Iran deserves freedom.

[@marsel8718]

Yes, freedom from western democracy

[@_Wakaz_]

What is your conception of freedom?

[@peapopea]

@@_Wakaz_ the one described by Nietzsche

[@x_pogboy6594]

Freedom like Iraq? Like Syria? Like Afghanistan ? Please keep ur freedom to yourselves

[@prasmitkumarpradhan1497]

@Zaydan Alfariz yes pak need to go

[@MrBrightlight66]

I wish the Iranian people the very best ...they deserve much better

[@joeheeheehoohoo6696]

I’m so proud of all the Iranians and especially the younger generation and women who are at the front lines, i hope they succeed and achieve all their demands. Women,life,freedom 💕

[@thegreata3565]

Thank you for covering this ❤ As Iranians we ask you to cover more topics like this executions and political prisoners sentenced to death are some of them, and we ask all people in the world to talk about our revolution, to participate in protest that happen outside of Iran against the regime, to keep the beam of light alive in the darkest of nights.

[@jacobali4088]

Revolution 😂 There's worst regimes for vox to cover, like usa and isreal, but they'll cover Iran so it can become another Syria lol

[@CG_VON]

I'm appreciate people protesting. I still think the Iranian people should rethink the protesting and regroup to figure out other strategies. This must be done with plan of action and it can't happen without the proper equipment.

[@syedbaqir2687]

Call it regime, Throw them , do whatever to them, At the end of the tunnel you will return to God. You can not hide, nor change and neither skip from death.

[@toolbaggers]

As an untainted outsider to both Iran and US regimes, I see very disturbing parallels. Supreme Leader is akin to Wall Street, Guardian Council is the Supreme court and the IRGC/Morality police is merely the Iranian versions of Homeland Security, ICE, local sheriffs. Iran and the US are both fanatical religious extremist countries with repressive militarized governments.

[@PoochieCollins]

@@CG_VON "proper equipment"? As in military equipment? The only way there's a revolution in Iran is if either (1) the civilians get enough followers in the military branches outlined in the video to side with them; or (2) a better military of a foreign power decides to enter on their side.

[@ChairmanMeow1]

What I found horrifying is they are classifying protesting against the government as "Revolting against God".

[@MichelMrz]

Thank you VOX, great as always 👏🏼

[@skp8748]

Don't look to international support. Theyre vultures. The only way change your country is internally without leaning or being influenced by external actors

[@gayan2517]

What about the Shah of Iran? 20 years in the can. Not a peep. We loved him like a brother in law. There are no scraps in his scrapbook.

[@alinaqirizvi1441]

Down with the rioters, long live the Islamic Republic

[@mememasterj270]

But they got one big thing wrong. In 78 we protested for a Democratic government NOT an Islamist one like the Mullahs who hijacked our revolution.

[@toolbaggers]

As an untainted outsider to both Iran and US regimes, I see very disturbing parallels. Supreme Leader is akin to Wall Street, Guardian Council is the Supreme court and the IRGC/Morality police is merely the Iranian versions of Homeland Security, ICE, local sheriffs. Iran and the US are both fanatical religious extremist countries with repressive militarized governments.

[@rbamba1731]

Iranian youngsters, you are the inspiration for generations across the globe! Keep voicing your idea of change for freedom, for women, for your future! We are behind you.

[@skp8748]

What about blm

[@Ali-xx8ej]

There is no inspiration. People are betraying their country and destroying things in the process.

[@skp8748]

@@Ali-xx8ej BP and lockheed stocks go brrrr

[@frzd]

Thank you so much for covering this🙏

[@plxton]

One of my university tutors was from Iran. She left the country to pursue a life in the UK after feeling helpless to make chnage within the country. She loves Iran, but hates the system and felt that nothing could be done to remove the existing structure.

[@Ali-xx8ej]

I mean why should she change things in Iran. These Western plots are doing more harm than good. Iran is suffering from Western sanctions and plots.

[@kenz2756]

@@Ali-xx8ej Well that's proven true. After all Iran's systems came in to power due to direct US intervention, quite literally.

[@peterparker9954]

Amen to the Iranian sister I hope she renounces peaceful religion

[@omidpourhossein]

Thanks for supporting, The thing with a threat is, the first time you use it there is great shock and fear, but after you've repeated it a hundered times it loses it's meaning. The pendulum has swung. People want to be free everywhere. I wish the best for the Iranian people - especially the women!!!

[@Skmax673]

Liberty, Equality, integrity to Iran and Iranian people. Government of the people, by the people and to the people.

[@letstalkpolitiks]

Thank you Vox!! Love this sort of content and love the light that you guys are shining on the protests and Iran's corrupt government!

[@shivanshii]

thank you so much for covering this topic

[@emmaeriksson7155]

Thank you for sharing! It’s a important part to understand the system to give properly support to our brothers and sisters in Iran. I take some time every day to listen and/or to act in benefit of their revolution

[@tunahanakarsu]

My good wishes are with Iranian people

[@PakBallandSami]

“Iranian filmmakers are not passive. They fight whenever they can, as creative expression means a lot to them. The restrictions and censorship in Iran are a bit like the British weather: one day it's sunny, the next day it's raining. You just have to hope you walk out into the sunshine.” -Asghar Farhadi

[@lawrencejorgensen2914]

Thank you for covering this!

[@sohasani5406]

Thank you for covering this and painting a wholistic picture of the corruption of the system of repression.

[@eges72]

Us Turkish people are with standing with you, The Iranian people, people who has thousands of years of great history, traditions, cultures and the birth of equality and liberty during the ancient times. I hope you can succesfully struggle against your Islamic oppressors who don't have anything with your rich history. 🇮🇷🤝🏼🇹🇷

[@lw1xwyd828]

🇮🇷🤝🇹🇷

[@onthebricks4260]

This is great reporting, thank you!

[@alirezakhosravani5843]

Thank you for covering this

[@bilalfnous]

This is very reminiscent to what happened in Syria almost 12 years ago and still happening. How could it not since the Iranian regime is playing by the same book it used to help the Syrian regime to repress it's own people. If the Iranians really want to see a regime change, they can't stop their revolution like they do everytime they start protesting. They have to carry on till the end.

[@sus527]

Syrian regime is nothing like Iran, they are secular and safeguard minorities unlike Muslim countries I just wish bashar had made an alliance with israel rather then Iran

[@magnet1548]

The Revolution won’t stop

[@negariadesign4660]

Syria became a disaster because the terrorist regime of Iran with all oil's money helped Bashar al-Assad. Who's gonna help Khamenei? Iran will not become Syria.

[@Jake-ns6fj]

@@magnet1548 it has largely stopped

[@Mila-Nova]

@@Jake-ns6fj it hasn't actually that is what irans state media is preaching to still hold on to its power. Protests are very much still occurring in iran. This was told to me by family and friends in iran.

[@AaAAanaA]

this all clearly isn't about hijab itself (since i saw people pointing hijab as a form of repression), but it is about women's choice to wear it or not, willingly.

[@mojtabafarzaneh42]

well actually from the get-go it was all about the regime change, cause we(the people of Iran) knew that there would be no choice for our private or social life under IR rules. Woman, Life, Freedom is not a movement it's a revolution. I don't know when we will be victorious but the time for us will come.

[@Whoami1988_]

People sick and tired of Islam that's it!😒

[@uptheblues1875]

@@mojtabafarzaneh42 I'm curious as to what the end goal is. Is there a party or a leader that you guys want in power like in 1979? Or something else? Genuinely asking

[@mojtabafarzaneh42]

​@@uptheblues1875 The end goal is to have a democratic(in any form but my prefer is a federal gov) and secular government, we don't want anyone to be a leader or have the leaders role because of what happened in 79. on the other hand, IR wipe out all the independent parties and individuals inside of Iran who had a base in Iranian middle-class society... so at the moment the movement doesn't have a party to organize it but there are some opposition parties aboard that may have join a coalition and that will be a very big step for us towards toppling down this murderous regime.

[@uptheblues1875]

@@mojtabafarzaneh42 so kinda like how turkey is, if you exclude the fact that Erdogan is kinda dictator

[@munhakgirl]

So well organized videos to know about what iran people go through right know. Wishing the best to Iranian people for their survival and success. And especially to young generations and women who are going against the system. “The fact that there is no longer any hopes in the possibility of reforming the system from within, it has created an situation in which the younger generation of Iranians increasingly believe they have nothing to lose” 😢 So heartbreaking lines to hear.

[@noramoghadam832]

Thank you Vox, great as always ♥️

[@ankokunokayoubi]

Wishing the best to Iranian people for a better future 🙏🏽

[@andresgomez7264]

The video incorrectly says that people were calling for Islamic rule in 1979. There were factions that wanted Islamic rule, but the vast majority of intellectuals and professionals did not want that. The Ayatollah became the leader of the country by lying to people, and given that there weren’t any prominent secular leaders at the time the religious extremists faced little opposition.

[@alamgirhossain2791]

😂😂

[@jasonstormsong4940]

The islamists also had better organisation because the Shah couldn’t exactly storm into mosques with a Muslim majority.

[@andresgomez7264]

@@jasonstormsong4940 Exactly. That’s a very good point

[@Ali-xx8ej]

If the people didn't call for an Islamic rule then why did so many people march for it and make it happen? 98-99% of Iranian people of 1979 voted for an Islamic state. Iran is more democratic than the whole West combined. Iran is progressing despite all the American sanctions.

[@davidtagliaferri]

Exzellent reporting, as always

[@manoj4730]

Why VOX didn't mention that USA and Britain toppled democratic government before the monarchy.

[@re1ic]

They do have a video on that, but I strongly agree with you.

[@souvikrc4499]

They already made videos about it.

[@skepticnavid1575]

Thank you for covering news about iran, people should stand against dictatorships I hope our revolution inspire others ✌️✌️

[@sushrutsharma6927]

Great context Vox

[@jayceon5027]

I hope nothing but the best for everyone in those protests may they survive and reach their goals 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@arvinbehshad]

I love you Vox. Amazing coverage!

[@TempoHack]

6:14 incase anyone is wondering those pictures are hanged in every single classroom in every single school in iran public or private. the picture of the first supreme leader is on the second page of every school book as well.

[@MrAri233]

The video clip at the beginning is made by the government. It’s not actually her, she was treated much worse than what the video shows. The government made that video to downplay the issue.

[@shoja2009]

Very accurate, thank You for fantastic reporting

[@d.c.g.6094]

Good content. Thank You, Vox.

[@mind-of-neo]

What a horrifyingly evil government. I feel so bad for these people

[@arfaouiamine4085]

lot of events that happend and still happening are still not shown hope the youth of iran can see in the near future the free country they seek love from tunisia stay strong stay focused the change is coming

[@boristheblade8433]

that was very informative and precise

[@reneedennis2011]

Thank you for this video.

[@BlueStone-qt9md]

The story of the modern Iranian government is truly ironic. It was set in place to institute new change for everyone, yet it is holding the same authoritarian values that held its previous government together with a twist of religion sewn into the fabric.

[@roelandaudenaerde8312]

With regard to repression, the Islamic Republic is the heir of the regime that preceded it.

[@134343]

@vox You forgot to mention how the shah came to power and overthrew the initially democratically elected president. By a coup instated by UK and the US. Some crucial context that is missing in this video. That is why they initially supported the religious leadership, but soon came to regret it.

[@Vichu.]

Yea I felt the same. Fascinating how an entire story can be changed if one context is removed

[@user-op8fg3ny3j]

@@Vichu. Because it goes against their narrative

[@ShadelkanRaeth]

They already have a video on that, ands it's pretty damning against the US and UK. Their channel is very pro-people, not pro-countries.

[@razzle_dazzle]

Yep, this might sound like a conspiracy theory but it's actually true - it's not hidden or denied. The democratically elected president was going to nationalize the oil industry and give the profits to the people, and the US was like "nope, we can't have that", lol.

[@re1ic]

The CIA also overthrew the Sha bc he stopped cooperating.

[@ashkanaref4056]

Thanks for covering most of the events that happened unlike what vice did

[@aminrezaie976]

This is great. Thanks for the support and attention

[@traeyoung458]

Applause to all those that came here to learn something new 💯👏

[@chr0my134]

Thanks

[@imdavidbaby]

This is so true more ppl need to here this they just killed 37 ppl and children yesterday in Iran, it's like there still living in the dark ages

[@mohamedabdukadir3271]

America killed more than that in one night in Iraq.

[@vivianaugusta3000]

Only this year in 2022, more than 220.000 civilians were m.u.r.d.e.r.d. in Syria. Where is the comotion to the lives of innocent syrian children?

[@alizhon204]

Thank You Vox🖤

[@razabadass]

This felt worth a watch for my learning efforts :)

[@cutthroatcare]

Stories like this are why I say separate the people from the government. The worst political leaders in history always hurt their own citizens first.

[@cloudoftime]

What do you mean? How would that work exactly? Governments are made up of people, and the most sought after forms of government are those with democratically elected officials, which would not be a separation.

[@fabiocruzponcedeleon7867]

The religion of peace, they say. This is what happens when you don't separate religion and state.

[@Optimistic_lad]

Thanks fox, such an informative video!

[@rhomwhitten115]

Thanks you for reporting this

[@Shahabbi]

Great video! Please do more videos to cover this, the Iranian people need word to get to as many people as possible

[@containedhurricane]

The civilians could only hope that the military would have a change of heart

[@danko5866]

Not gonna happen

[@TheMedicatedArtist]

There will probably be a few defectors, but don’t hold your breath on the military doing anything.

[@mrkilo-g8794]

They need to get guerilla warfare

[@rayansadeghi2245]

this video is the best i've seen yet

[@MrSailormoonlover]

Thank you so much for highlighting the current situation in Iran. As an Iranian I can tell you that we want freedom and democracy! We want an end to this brutal theocratic regime and an end to religion in government!!

[@sammartens1090]

Iranians, thank you for being strong

[@Ali-xx8ej]

You mean thank you for being pawns of the Western plot of trying to ruin yet another Middle Eastern country

[@sammartens1090]

@@Ali-xx8ej No, this is not what I mean

[@Laalaalaa10]

Please continue to share news on this!

[@aligh8698]

Thanks for your report!

[@DedLoko]

Power to the people!

[@victoriaman117]

“And this is exactly what’s going on here in America to women”…….no Brittany it isn’t

[@justmhr7598]

This videos needs to be longer, the surface of the atrocities have barely been scratched.

[@salarhoseynali9007]

Thank you for covering us finally but pls check your guest background throughly as for example Mr. Vaez is known for being related to niac and lobbying on behalf of IR regime

[@avantgardener7493]

Power and freedom to the Iranian people!

[@Kalinga_3]

Morality police is still present in Indonesia, much of middle East.

[@yogurtyogurt8774]

Yes but women in Indonesian can live freely without wearing Hijab. That's because we have 5 religion in one nation

[@valorzinski7423]

@@yogurtyogurt8774 the police might not beat women for not wearing Hijab in Indonesia but their family might, the neighborhood and community might excommunicate them too Secularism died in 1998, it's time for secularists to move to another country coz there's no way to bring back secularism

[@idosabamemanuel5163]

​@@valorzinski7423 I'm from Indonesia but I don't think that Indonesian women who refused to wear hijab would experience that much scrutiny, except if they live in Aceh which still practicing strict Sharia Law

[@yogurtyogurt8774]

@@valorzinski7423 100% true

[@zhisu2665]

Religious extremism is becoming so much worse yet many of the younger generation dont seem to see a problem with it :(

[@lyrablack8621]

I saw the "woman, life, freedom", but i didn't have the context behind it until now. Thanks!

[@roelandaudenaerde8312]

Good analysis by Vaez!

[@krzysiekk22d]

I support Iranian women and democracy. Love from Poland

[@amirhossein_rezaei]

This video was fantastic. Please make a video about the role of IRGC in Iran protests and its relation to Iran's foreign adventuring.

[@souvikrc4499]

Not to mention their involvement in the privatization of Iran’s assets.

[@MistarZtv]

this gives so much more context than what they're allowed to show on tv and on the big news sites, thank you. although it probably would've been nice to include the part where that said coup is now well documented to have been heavily backed by the CIA.

[@PeymanSayyadi]

Thanks for the great report.

[@alexschrijnemaekers8067]

Stay strong, sisters!

[@garshtoshteles]

I am absolutely shocked you did not touch at all on how the Shah was installed : (

[@re1ic]

I agree, if it weren't for Britain and the west, the middle east wouldn't be in the mess that it is today. As a British person I feel like we need to take responsibility as well.

[@jojbenedoot7459]

Well, the Shah section is just a very brief aside for the immediate context of the 1979 revolution. Doesn't seem too surprising that they didn't go into more detail about the old system

[@king2hamsters]

Does it really matter? Even if the shah was evil that would mean Khamenei would be the devil.

[@garshtoshteles]

@@jojbenedoot7459 Sure, but it has the unintended consequence of not providing context for the revolution, sounds like Iranians just randomly decided they were fed up with the Shah, when it was ultimately a reaction to the Shah's very strong foreign ties with the West. Not a sin, and the Iranian people are responsible for their own culturo-political movements, but more context seems appropriate to me.

[@jojbenedoot7459]

@@garshtoshteles in a video longer than 6 minutes and more focused on the revolution itself instead of the revolutionary government's structure, I would agree that more information about the Shah was necessary

[@rob5393]

Keep strong! Support for you guys

[@mangolollipop_]

I never really understood why is this happening but also my best friend is Iranian and actively speaks about it. I just realised how hard her life was before moving to where we are now. Wow no wonder why she's protesting about it. Her freedoms has been so suppressed for a long time. I just hope the Iranians can topple down the revolution. I just want them to have the same kinds of freedom she is having right now, without the risk of dying, getting shot or beaten to death. I didn't realise how deeply corrupted the power of structure is in Iran.

[@a.hoctavius5848]

For once, a balanced view of the Shah’s Iran.

[@DehnusNorder]

Right... balanced... view.... those are ... words.

[@gayan2517]

We loved him like a brother in law. His brother was 47. Just a kid.