Iran: A Protest in Washington (Shahryar)

It was quite rainy here on Thursday in Washington DC. But that did not stop two dozen supporters of human rights and democracy for Iran from gathering in Lafayette Park across from the White House. The protest was organized by Mission Free Iran and other groups working together to voice concern over the imminent hangings of several Iranian political prisoners and to note the hunger strike of at least 17 others in Evin prison.

I cannot remember how many protests in which I have now participated on the East and the West Coasts of the United States. The mood’s optimistic when more people show up, a tad pessimistic when less do. But what is worth noting is the resolve with which people come to these demonstrations. The rain and thunder yesterday was frightening. Yet, activists had brought their children.

Our placards were slow-bleeding as the raindrops pounded us and them. There were umbrellas for keeping activists dry, umbrellas held over signs bearing pictures of activists inside Iran who are suffering under the regime. One of the speakers choked up as she recalled how, when she was a political prisoner, she witnessed her friends being taken away to be hanged. And we could not  stop ourselves from cringing when she mentioned how the families of slain political prisoners had to pay money to the government to get back the bodies of their loved ones .

The most heart-warming part of the day was watching the faces of children who had come to join protesting moms and dads. As we chanted “Death to the Dictator” and “Political Prisoners Must Be Freed", they looked at us with smiles on their faces. These little Iranians and Americans are totally unaware of what perils lie ahead of adults in the world. They’re quietly marching ahead towards adulthood.

To be honest, I was bothered by the rain yesterday. But when I looked down upon the faces of these little angels, I felt a strange sensation. I felt a great weight pressing against my shoulders. The weight is that of responsibility. Not responsibility towards the prisoners – we are already bearing that weight.

It is the weight of responsibility that each and every one of us bears to pass a better world to the next generation. It is the responsibility of making sure we have done everything we can to make things easier one day. It is the responsibility of not allowing our mistakes to hurt the prospects of our children and grandchildren.

It is that weight that made yesterday’s protest a success. And it is that weight that will eventually rid Iran of this political establishment.

Further information on protests is available on Mission Free Iran’s website.