Iranians Continue to Protest Amid Political Unrest
Although protests against the Iranian regime seemed to have tapered off on Friday, experts emphasize a crucial factor that could shape the nation’s future: the diverse ethnic minorities in Iran, which comprise almost half of the population.
Shukriya Bradost, an expert on Iran’s ethnic groups and a native of the Kurdish region, shared insights regarding these communities’ historical struggle. “Since the establishment of the Islamic Constitution in 1979, ethnic minorities have not endorsed it and have been fighting for their rights for 47 years,” she stated.
Bradost pointed out in a recent paper that despite skepticism among various ethnic groups, protests are spreading throughout the provinces. The demographics reveal that Persians make up about 51%, while Azerbaijanis account for roughly 24%, Kurds represent between 8% and 17%, and both Arabs and Baluchis make up 3% and 2%, respectively.
Notably, there’s a rising sentiment among exiled dissidents suggesting that this ongoing discontent could signal a sort of “revolution” against the current regime.
Bradost remarked that Iran, with its 93 million people, was founded on a centralized national identity rather than embracing ethnic diversity. “The regime is on the brink of collapse. If Khamenei is still alive, they will fight to the bitter end,” she added.
Reports have surfaced indicating that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei may have ordered the killing of thousands of protestors, an alarming claim echoed by US-based Iranian human rights groups. They report that the death toll could be as high as 2,571, while opposition leader Reza Pahlavi estimates at least 12,000 fatalities.
Sardar Pashaei, president of the non-profit Hiwa, highlighted the essential role of ethnic minorities in any real political transition. “Without them, no meaningful progress is possible,” he noted. The Kurds, in particular, have a long history of opposing authoritarian rule and bear a significant cost in terms of repression and loss of life. Their involvement is not merely symbolic; it challenges the very structure of the Islamic Republic.
Pashaei, a former wrestling champion, argued that it’s vital to ensure that a different form of autocracy does not replace the current one. He emphasized that Kurdish political culture strongly advocates democratic principles, pluralism, and women’s involvement, leading to minimal support for monarchies or life-long rulers.
Meanwhile, Khalil Kani Sanani, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Freedom Party, pointed out that two provinces, Kermanshah and Ilam, are key players in the current upheaval. “These areas are actively participating in the resistance process,” he asserted.
Sanani noted that past rebellions initiated in these regions had previously sparked wider movements, indicating that a rebel spirit still dwells there. The “Zina uprising,” or the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement, emerged following the brutal death of Mahsa (Zina) Amini, a young Kurdish woman, at the hands of the morality police in September 2022.
He expressed optimism that if the airspace were closed to regime forces, their military could seize control in those provinces and assist Tehran’s population.
Siamand Moeni, a member of the Kurdistan Free Life Party’s leadership, reflected on the regime’s failure to initiate democratic reforms and urged a united struggle for change, advocating for an inclusive democratic structure incorporating all Iranian citizens.
Moeni concluded by stressing that Iran’s centralized system does not reflect the public’s will. He highlighted a century of authoritarian practices leading to immense suffering, asserting that a future governance model must be founded on broad participation and cooperation, particularly addressing the needs of the Kurdish people.
