Iranian Americans

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February 16, 2011 | 4:06 PM | By

‘Unrest in Iran’ segment on KPCC draws reaction

Photo by killerturnip/Flickr (Creative Commons)

An Iranian flag flown at a 2009 rally in Los Angeles

As protests continue in the Middle East, including in Iran, members of Los Angeles’ large Iranian American community have been closely watching the unrest from afar, with local supporters of the pro-democracy demonstrators rallying in solidarity last weekend.

Today, Los Angeles-based Radio Iran host Siamak Kalhor appeared on KPCC’s Madeleine Brand show, drawing reactions from Iranian Americans and other listeners. The segment drew an interesting thread of comments on the show’s website, along with thank-you notes to the show for featuring it. A couple of comments:

From Simin Warren:

Very interesting , seems like the whole world sees this , but no one can do anything about it.

Mohammad Mokhtari was a Iranian protester killed on Monday, February 14, 2011, while you and I were celebrating Valentine’s Day. His last FB status yesterday: “GOD, LET ME DIE WHILE STANDING AS I AM TIRED OF SITTING UNDER TYRANNY.” When you think of a true life hero, think of this young man.

Saayeh Sarmast

I am a fan of Mr. Kalhor. It is about time to have you in English speaking Channels. American Media need experts like you. We Love you for what you do for us.

Thanks KPCC , for supporting us in the road to feedom.

Since the ousting of Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak last week after more than two weeks of violent protests, demonstrators have taken to the streets in Iran, Libya, Bahrain and Yemen, all calling for democratic political reforms.

FILED UNDER: Culture/Identity, Politics/Justice, Egytian revolution, Iran protests, Iranian Americans
February 14, 2011 | 5:50 PM | By

Quote of the moment: A local supporter of Iran’s Green Movement

“We believe this: there is a democracy quake in the Middle East. People are looking to destroy the old model of politics.”

- Hamid Shirazi, a Iranian American from Los Angeles area at a local solidarity protest

Photo by killerturnip/Flickr (Creative Commons)

An Iranian flag flown at a 2009 rally in Los Angeles

USC’s Neon Tommy spoke with Shirazi and others during a pro-Green Movement rally on Sunday, one of several organized online to coincide with protests for democratic reforms in Iran. Thousands demonstrated today in the capital city of Tehran. In the wake of Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak’s resignation last Friday, pro-democracy protests have spread throughout the Middle East, with protests also in Yemen and Bahrain today.

The massive Egyptian demonstrations were sparked by protests that last month led to the ouster of Tunisia’s autocratic ruler, which in turn has prompted an exodus of migrants.

Supporters of Iran’s pro-democracy movement have been calling for solidarity rallies throughout the United States and at Iranian embassy locations in other countries.

FILED UNDER: Culture/Identity, Politics/Justice, Egyptian revolution, Green Movement, Iranian Americans