Anti-government demonstrations sparked by the death of a young woman in police custody have rocked Iran since last month. AP
Anti-government demonstrations sparked by the death of a young woman in police custody have rocked Iran since last month. AP
Anti-government demonstrations sparked by the death of a young woman in police custody have rocked Iran since last month. AP
Anti-government demonstrations sparked by the death of a young woman in police custody have rocked Iran since last month. AP

MENA

Iran

Iranian cleric voices support for protesters as teachers call for strike

Teachers' union to protest for two days over deaths of schoolchildren amid clampdown by security forces

The National

October 21, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

An Iranian cleric on Friday voiced support for the public's right to protest against the government, as teachers were expected to call a two-day strike from next week.

Anti-government demonstrations sparked by the death of a young woman in police custody have rocked the country since last month.

Mahsa Amini, who was aged 22, died three days after she was detained by the morality police in Tehran, on charges of breaching the country's strict dress code.

"The people have the right to criticise the leader of Muslim society, whether the criticism is justified or not," Ayatollah Javad Alavi-Boroujerdi was quoted by Shafaqna news agency as saying.

"The people have something to say and they don't agree with what you are doing," he told authorities.

The cleric, 68, is the grandson of late grand ayatollah Hossein Boroujerdi, the leading Shiite cleric in the 20th century.

He said that the media should have its freedom and "different thoughts should be expressed on state television".

Following Amini's death, violence spread to the streets, resulting in dozens of deaths and the arrest of hundreds.

During the unrest since last month, "some people have been arrested and are in jail... treat them with mercy," the Ayatollah said.

His sentiments were similar to remarks made by Grand Ayatollah Hossein Nouri Hamedani, a prominent conservative cleric and strong supporter of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who called on the authorities to "listen to the demands of the people".

It came as of the country's teachers' unions called a two-day strike from Sunday over the deaths of schoolchildren amid a clampdown by security forces.

Young women, university students and schoolgirls have led the charge, removing their headscarves, chanting anti-government slogans and confronting the security forces on the streets.

Demonstrators chant slogans during the March of Solidarity for Iran in Washington. AFP
Demonstrators chant slogans during the March of Solidarity for Iran in Washington. AFP
Another group of demonstrators at the march. AFP
Another group of demonstrators at the march. AFP
A protest in support of Iranian women in Barcelona. Reuters
A protest in support of Iranian women in Barcelona. Reuters
Iranian citizens and locals joined in the Barcelona protest. Reuters
Iranian citizens and locals joined in the Barcelona protest. Reuters
People attend a demonstration in solidarity with Mahsa Amini and other Iranian women in Castello Square, Turin. EPA
People attend a demonstration in solidarity with Mahsa Amini and other Iranian women in Castello Square, Turin. EPA
A person places a candle during the demonstration in Turin. EPA
A person places a candle during the demonstration in Turin. EPA
A protester holds a pre-Islamic Revolution Iranian flag during a demonstration in Brussels in support of the Iranians fighting for their freedom. AFP
A protester holds a pre-Islamic Revolution Iranian flag during a demonstration in Brussels in support of the Iranians fighting for their freedom. AFP
A protester wearing a top with a logo that reads 'No to an Islamic state" as she takes part in a rally in support of the Iranian people, in Brussels. AFP
A protester wearing a top with a logo that reads 'No to an Islamic state" as she takes part in a rally in support of the Iranian people, in Brussels. AFP
People wave the Shah-era Iranian flag during a protest in Paris. AFP
People wave the Shah-era Iranian flag during a protest in Paris. AFP
A woman shows her true colours in the protest against the Iranian government, in Paris. AFP
A woman shows her true colours in the protest against the Iranian government, in Paris. AFP
A woman holds a flag, as people protest against the Iranian regime outside Iran's embassy in central London. Reuters
A woman holds a flag, as people protest against the Iranian regime outside Iran's embassy in central London. Reuters
Supporters of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) carry placards and wave party flags in Beirut, during a protest against the death of Ms Amini. EPA
Supporters of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) carry placards and wave party flags in Beirut, during a protest against the death of Ms Amini. EPA
People demonstrate against the Iranian government outside the Houses of Parliament in London following the death of Amini. Reuters
People demonstrate against the Iranian government outside the Houses of Parliament in London following the death of Amini. Reuters
A mural in Paris depicts women cutting their hair to show support for Iranian protesters. AP
A mural in Paris depicts women cutting their hair to show support for Iranian protesters. AP
People take part in a rally against the Iranian government in Vancouver, Canada, on Saturday. AP
People take part in a rally against the Iranian government in Vancouver, Canada, on Saturday. AP
Protesters take to the streets of Tehran. EPA
Protesters take to the streets of Tehran. EPA
Iranian protesters run after clashing with with police. EPA
Iranian protesters run after clashing with with police. EPA
A protester shaves their head outside the Houses of Parliament in London. Reuters
A protester shaves their head outside the Houses of Parliament in London. Reuters
Iranians living in Athens hold a protest in solidarity. AFP
Iranians living in Athens hold a protest in solidarity. AFP
People take part in a rally in The Hague. AFP
People take part in a rally in The Hague. AFP
A woman cuts her hair during a demonstration in Santiago, Chile, by feminist groups and Iranian migrants in support of Iranian women following the death of Amini. AFP
A woman cuts her hair during a demonstration in Santiago, Chile, by feminist groups and Iranian migrants in support of Iranian women following the death of Amini. AFP
Members of feminist groups and Iranian migrants during the protests in Santiago. AFP
Members of feminist groups and Iranian migrants during the protests in Santiago. AFP
Iranian activists shout slogans during a protest against the government in Tehran, in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. EPA
Iranian activists shout slogans during a protest against the government in Tehran, in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. EPA
A protester holds a painted portrait of Mahsa Amini in Berlin, Germany. EPA
A protester holds a painted portrait of Mahsa Amini in Berlin, Germany. EPA
A protester shows red paint on her face, resembling blood splatters and bloody handprints next to the national Iranian emblem, during a rally in Berlin. EPA
A protester shows red paint on her face, resembling blood splatters and bloody handprints next to the national Iranian emblem, during a rally in Berlin. EPA
Iranian protesters shout slogan during a protest in Istanbul, Turkey. EPA
Iranian protesters shout slogan during a protest in Istanbul, Turkey. EPA
A woman holds a sign during a protest against the Iranian government, in front of the country's embassy in Madrid, Spain. The protests were triggered by the death of a young Iranian woman, Mahsa Amini, in police custody. Reuters
A woman holds a sign during a protest against the Iranian government, in front of the country's embassy in Madrid, Spain. The protests were triggered by the death of a young Iranian woman, Mahsa Amini, in police custody. Reuters
A woman cuts her hair during the protest in front of the Iranian embassy in Madrid. Reuters
A woman cuts her hair during the protest in front of the Iranian embassy in Madrid. Reuters
Israelis show their support for women in Iran as they hold up placards of Amini during a protest in Jerusalem. EPA
Israelis show their support for women in Iran as they hold up placards of Amini during a protest in Jerusalem. EPA
Amini, 22, was arrested in Tehran on September 13, 2022, by the morality police. She fell into a coma while in police custody and was declared dead on September 16. EPA
Amini, 22, was arrested in Tehran on September 13, 2022, by the morality police. She fell into a coma while in police custody and was declared dead on September 16. EPA
People walk by graffiti in support of the protests triggered by Amini's death, in Jerusalem. EPA
People walk by graffiti in support of the protests triggered by Amini's death, in Jerusalem. EPA
A protest in Nantes, western France, after the death of Amini in Iranian police custody. AFP
A protest in Nantes, western France, after the death of Amini in Iranian police custody. AFP
Women gather for a demonstration in Barcelona, Spain. AFP
Women gather for a demonstration in Barcelona, Spain. AFP
Demonstrators in Nantes. Amini's death has sparked a global protest movement. AFP
Demonstrators in Nantes. Amini's death has sparked a global protest movement. AFP
Women protest outside the town hall in in Montpellier, southern France. AFP
Women protest outside the town hall in in Montpellier, southern France. AFP
A woman at a protest in Catalunya Square, Barcelona. Reuters
A woman at a protest in Catalunya Square, Barcelona. Reuters
Campaigners and football fans protest at a Champions League match between Porto and Bayer Leverkusen at the Dragao stadium in Portugal. EPA
Campaigners and football fans protest at a Champions League match between Porto and Bayer Leverkusen at the Dragao stadium in Portugal. EPA
People hold placards during a demonstration in solidarity with the Iranian people near the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. EPA
People hold placards during a demonstration in solidarity with the Iranian people near the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. EPA
An Iranian woman living in Turkey with 'Freedom' written on her forehead takes part in a protest near the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. Reuters
An Iranian woman living in Turkey with 'Freedom' written on her forehead takes part in a protest near the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. Reuters
In Barcelona, protesters take part in a demonstration in support of Iranian women. AFP
In Barcelona, protesters take part in a demonstration in support of Iranian women. AFP
A Lebanese activist takes part in a protest in Beirut, triggered by the death of Amini, 22. AP
A Lebanese activist takes part in a protest in Beirut, triggered by the death of Amini, 22. AP
A Turkish protester takes off her head scarf while giving a performance in Instanbul during a protest against Iran over Amini's death. Getty
A Turkish protester takes off her head scarf while giving a performance in Instanbul during a protest against Iran over Amini's death. Getty
A woman in Istanbul cuts her hair during a protest against Iran. Getty
A woman in Istanbul cuts her hair during a protest against Iran. Getty
A Lebanese activist holds a poster depicting Amini during a protest in Beirut organised by feminist groups in support of women protesters in Iran. EPA
A Lebanese activist holds a poster depicting Amini during a protest in Beirut organised by feminist groups in support of women protesters in Iran. EPA
Demonstrators in Los Angeles, California, hold the Iranian flag during a protest against the government in Tehran. AFP
Demonstrators in Los Angeles, California, hold the Iranian flag during a protest against the government in Tehran. AFP
Demonstrators hold placards in Mexico City during a protest against Iran. Reuters
Demonstrators hold placards in Mexico City during a protest against Iran. Reuters
People demonstrate in Montreal, Canada, during a protest triggered by Amini's death. AFP
People demonstrate in Montreal, Canada, during a protest triggered by Amini's death. AFP
Iranian Americans participate in a rally in central Los Angeles, in solidarity with women in Iran. AP
Iranian Americans participate in a rally in central Los Angeles, in solidarity with women in Iran. AP
Demonstrators march during a protest in Los Angeles, California. AFP
Demonstrators march during a protest in Los Angeles, California. AFP
A woman with the colours of the Iranian flag painted on her face participates in a rally as thousands demonstrate in support of Iranian women in Los Angeles. EPA
A woman with the colours of the Iranian flag painted on her face participates in a rally as thousands demonstrate in support of Iranian women in Los Angeles. EPA
Australians protest over Amini's death in Melbourne. EPA
Australians protest over Amini's death in Melbourne. EPA
Police block protesters from entering Iran's embassy in Oslo, Norway. EPA
Police block protesters from entering Iran's embassy in Oslo, Norway. EPA
Demonstrators in front of the European headquarters of the UN in Geneva, Switzerland, during a rally against Iran. EPA
Demonstrators in front of the European headquarters of the UN in Geneva, Switzerland, during a rally against Iran. EPA
A candlelight vigil for Amini in Los Angeles. AFP
A candlelight vigil for Amini in Los Angeles. AFP
Afghan women hold placards as they take part in a protest in front of the Iranian embassy in Kabul. AFP
Afghan women hold placards as they take part in a protest in front of the Iranian embassy in Kabul. AFP
Protestors take part in a rally outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. AFP
Protestors take part in a rally outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. AFP
An Iranian woman shows a lock of hair she cut off during a protest outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. EPA
An Iranian woman shows a lock of hair she cut off during a protest outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. EPA
Demonstrators outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. Getty
Demonstrators outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. Getty
Iranian Americans rally on Capitol Hill in Washington to show support for protesters in Iran. AFP
Iranian Americans rally on Capitol Hill in Washington to show support for protesters in Iran. AFP
Protesters on Capitol Hill hold a sign condemning the crackdown by Tehran. AFP
Protesters on Capitol Hill hold a sign condemning the crackdown by Tehran. AFP
German demonstrators gather in Berlin after the death of Amini in Iranian police custody. AP
German demonstrators gather in Berlin after the death of Amini in Iranian police custody. AP
A protester cries during a rally in Berlin. Reuters
A protester cries during a rally in Berlin. Reuters
A demonstration in Madrid, Spain. Thousands have gathered in cities across Europe to support protests in Iran. AP
A demonstration in Madrid, Spain. Thousands have gathered in cities across Europe to support protests in Iran. AP
Demonstrators gather outside the Iranian embassy in Madrid. Reuters
Demonstrators gather outside the Iranian embassy in Madrid. Reuters
People take part in a protest in Lausanne, Switzerland. EPA
People take part in a protest in Lausanne, Switzerland. EPA
Protesters hold signs featuring images of Amini during the protest in the western Swiss city. EPA
Protesters hold signs featuring images of Amini during the protest in the western Swiss city. EPA
Demonstrators in front of the Iranian embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. EPA
Demonstrators in front of the Iranian embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. EPA
An activist outside the Iranian embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a sign that reads 'Justice for Mahsa Amini'. AFP
An activist outside the Iranian embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a sign that reads 'Justice for Mahsa Amini'. AFP
A demonstration against violence in Iran is held in Quito, Ecuador. The Iranian community in Ecuador protested outside the Iranian embassy. EPA
A demonstration against violence in Iran is held in Quito, Ecuador. The Iranian community in Ecuador protested outside the Iranian embassy. EPA
Protesters at a demonstration outside the Iranian embassy in Quito, Ecuador. EPA
Protesters at a demonstration outside the Iranian embassy in Quito, Ecuador. EPA

The Co-ordinating Council of Teachers' Syndicates on Thursday called a strike in response to the government clampdown, which Amnesty International has said caused the deaths of at least 23 children.

"The Co-ordinating Council declares sit-in strikes for Sunday and Monday. We teachers will be present at schools but will refrain from being present in classes," it said on its Telegram channel.

"We know very well that the military and security forces and plainclothes [officers] have violated schools and educational centres," it said.

"During this systematic oppression, they have mercilessly taken the lives of a number of pupils and children; from Nika [Shahkarami] and Sarina [Esmailzadeh], to Abolfazl [Adinezadeh] and Asra Panahi."

The four, all in their teens, were killed by Iran's security forces during their operation against the nationwide protests that have flared since September 16, when Amini died in custody, according to human rights groups.

Oslo-based group Iran Human Rights said on Thursday that at least 27 children have been killed by the security forces and that children and teachers are among the thousands arrested in the crackdown.

In its statement, the teachers' union said "a large number of teachers have been arrested" without being charged.

"The rulers must know that Iran's teachers do not tolerate these atrocities and tyranny and proclaims that we are for the people, and these bullets and pellets you shoot at the people target our lives and souls," it said.

"This is why the Co-ordinating Council of Teachers Syndicates supports the rightful protests of the people across Iran, and condemns the killings and oppression of past weeks."

It vowed to "continue our protest until the people's right to protest is recognised, all pupils are unconditionally freed and return to schools, the system stops killing the people and children, and stops answering the people's rightful demands with bullets".

Race card

6.30pm: Emirates Holidays Maiden (TB), Dh82,500 (Dirt), 1,900m
7.05pm: Arabian Adventures Maiden (TB), Dh82,500 (D), 1,200m
7.40pm: Emirates Skywards Handicap (TB), Dh82,500 (D), 1,200m
8.15pm: Emirates Airline Conditions (TB), Dh120,000 (D), 1,400m
8.50pm: Emirates Sky Cargo (TB), Dh92,500 (D)1,400m
9.15pm: Emirates.com (TB), Dh95,000 (D), 2,000m

While you're here
Whiile you're here
The biog

Favourite colour: Brown

Favourite Movie: Resident Evil

Hobbies: Painting, Cooking, Imitating Voices

Favourite food: Pizza

Trivia: Was the voice of three characters in the Emirati animation, Shaabiyat Al Cartoon

THE%C2%A0SPECS
%3Cp%3EEngine%3A%204-cylinder%202.5-litre%20%2F%202-litre%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3EPower%3A%20188hp%20%2F%20248hp%0D%3Cbr%3ETorque%3A%20244Nm%20%2F%20370Nm%0D%3Cbr%3ETransmission%3A%207-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3EOn%20sale%3A%20now%0D%3Cbr%3EPrice%3A%20From%20Dh110%2C000%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Related
Smart words at Make Smart Cool

Make Smart Cool is not your usual festival. Dubbed “edutainment” by organisers Najahi Events, Make Smart Cool aims to inspire its youthful target audience through a mix of interactive presentation by social media influencers and a concert finale featuring Example with DJ Wire. Here are some of the speakers sharing their inspiration and experiences on the night.
Prince Ea
With his social media videos accumulating more half a billion views, the American motivational speaker is hot on the college circuit in the US, with talks that focus on the many ways to generate passion and motivation when it comes to learning.
Khalid Al Ameri
The Emirati columnist and presenter is much loved by local youth, with writings and presentations about education, entrepreneurship and family balance. His lectures on career and personal development are sought after by the education and business sector.
Ben Ouattara
Born to an Ivorian father and German mother, the Dubai-based fitness instructor and motivational speaker is all about conquering fears and insecurities. His talk focuses on the need to gain emotional and physical fitness when facing life’s challenges. As well managing his film production company, Ouattara is one of the official ambassadors of Dubai Expo2020.

ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025, Thailand

UAE fixtures
May 9, v Malaysia
May 10, v Qatar
May 13, v Malaysia
May 15, v Qatar
May 18 and 19, semi-finals
May 20, final

The specs: 2018 Ducati SuperSport S

Price, base / as tested: Dh74,900 / Dh85,900

Engine: 937cc

Transmission: Six-speed gearbox

Power: 110hp @ 9,000rpm

Torque: 93Nm @ 6,500rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 5.9L / 100km

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
On Women's Day
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20WallyGPT%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2014%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESaeid%20and%20Sami%20Hejazi%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20raised%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%247.1%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2020%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPre-seed%20round%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Scores

Bournemouth 0-4 Liverpool
Arsenal 1-0 Huddersfield Town
Burnley 1-0 Brighton
Manchester United 4-1 Fulham
West Ham 3-2 Crystal Palace

Saturday fixtures:
Chelsea v Manchester City, 9.30pm (UAE)
Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur, 11.45pm (UAE)

25-MAN SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi
Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina, Abdullahi Shehu, Chidozie Awaziem, William Ekong, Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo, Jamilu Collins, Semi Ajayi 
Midfielders: John Obi Mikel, Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, John Ogu
Forwards: Ahmed Musa, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Henry Onyekuru, Odion Ighalo, Alexander Iwobi, Samuel Kalu, Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze 

On Standby: Theophilus Afelokhai, Bryan Idowu, Ikouwem Utin, Mikel Agu, Junior Ajayi, Valentine Ozornwafor

Four motivational quotes from Alicia's Dubai talk

“The only thing we need is to know that we have faith. Faith and hope in our own dreams. The belief that, when we keep going we’re going to find our way. That’s all we got.”

“Sometimes we try so hard to keep things inside. We try so hard to pretend it’s not really bothering us. In some ways, that hurts us more. You don’t realise how dishonest you are with yourself sometimes, but I realised that if I spoke it, I could let it go.”

“One good thing is to know you’re not the only one going through it. You’re not the only one trying to find your way, trying to find yourself, trying to find amazing energy, trying to find a light. Show all of yourself. Show every nuance. All of your magic. All of your colours. Be true to that. You can be unafraid.”

“It’s time to stop holding back. It’s time to do it on your terms. It’s time to shine in the most unbelievable way. It’s time to let go of negativity and find your tribe, find those people that lift you up, because everybody else is just in your way.”

Updated: October 22, 2022, 7:35 AM`
Iran