Protestors rally for Iran in Dallas

Hundreds of people showed up at the Dallas City Hall June 23, with posters and Iranian flags to let the world know that they support freedom and justice in Iran.

The June 13 elections in Iran declared Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as the president over his opponent Mir Hossein Moussavi. This quickly raised debates by many Iranians, including Moussavi, arguing that the election was a fraud.

At Dallas City Hall, protestors gathered outside in the summer heat, chanting phrases such as "Peace and Justice" and "Free Iran" and singing the Iranian national anthem. College students and community activists were chosen to speak and share their thoughts with the crowd.

Many wore green t-shirts and green wristbands. Green is the color many people in Iran are wearing post-election to show support for Moussavi and freedom for all.

During the past few weeks, these rallies have become more significant than just the issue of the election. Iranians have realized that 30 years of theocracy is enough, and it's time to take a stand. Freedom and equality are vital factors too. It was surprising to see such a large turnout in Dallas. Las Angeles and New York held rallies too, and it was proud to see Dallas step up and take action. Attendees at the rally included many Iranians, but Americans supporters as well. The crowd consisted of college sudents, parents, grandparents and children.

"It was truly a moving experience," said North Lake College student Kirk Coleman. "I participated because there are innocent people, such as Neda Soltani, who were slaughtered just for standing up for what they believed in."

Soltani's death instantly became famous and a symbol of the oppostion movement.

While causing no physical harm at a protest in Tehran and demonstrating her opinion with the crowd, she was shot in the chest by the Iranian military, the Basij.

Cities all over the world have been hosting rallies and demonstrations this month. Moussavi has called for the Iranian government to hold a re-vote, not a recount of the election, but it has not happened. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, has the final vote and has declared Ahmadinejad as the winner, by "a landslide." Elica Rahdar, a graduate student at University of Texas at Dallas, used the networking Web site Facebook to alert more people about last Tuesday's rally. "I wanted people to come together in solidarity against oppression and violence," Rahdar said. "I wanted the people of Iran to see that they have the right to come together and, in a true democracy, they should be able to without bloodshed and tears."

Neli Tokleh is an NLC student and News-Register staff writer. She has friends and family living in Iran.

If you would like to know more about future ralles in the area, you can e-mail Neli at nelit88@gmail.com.