Exiled prince hails Mahsa Amini as symbol of Iran’s struggle for freedom
Exiled Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi on Tuesday marked the third anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death, calling her a global symbol of defiance and urging young Iranians to carry forward the struggle for freedom.
“Three years ago today, Mahsa Amini, innocent, was killed. But her voice was not silenced; her name and image became global, and an inspiration for millions of Iranians in their fight against the corrupt regime of the Islamic Republic,” Pahlavi wrote on X.
He said Amini’s memory honored the women and men who died, were wounded, blinded or tortured during the nationwide protests that erupted after her death in morality police custody in September 2022.
Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s deposed shah, linked the uprising to earlier waves of unrest in 2017 and 2019, describing them as the roots of a “national revolution” that he said would continue until victory.
“To the young generation of Iran, I say: You are the generation of victory. You will build a free future with your own hands, and turn the dream of Mahsa and all who gave their lives for Iran’s freedom into reality,” he said, adding: “I stand with you in this struggle.”
Iran denies that Amini was beaten in custody and says she died of underlying health issues, a claim rejected by her family. Rights groups say more than 500 people were killed in the 2022 crackdown and thousands arrested.
