At the end of December, protests erupted across Iran, drawing renewed global attention to citizens demanding change. The current anti-government protests were triggered by a sharp rise in the dollar exchange rate and worsening economic conditions. Many businesses went on strike, and citizens took to the streets to speak out for their freedom.

To gain deeper insight into the protests, The SeoulTech interviewed an Iranian student currently studying at SeoulTech.

Q. What does this protest mean for Iranian society?

A. Contrary to what many people abroad believe, the majority of Iranians do not support this government. People are expressing their anger toward the regime in every possible way and demanding political change. These protests are not merely about prices or the economy; they challenge the entire system, which is built on a rigid religious ideology that rejects criticism or reform.

Q. As an Iranian, what emotion do you feel most strongly when you see these protests?

A. The strongest emotion I feel is anger, anger toward a brutal dictator who only cares about himself and his religious rule. At the same time, I feel great pride for every individual who took to the streets for freedom.

Q. To what extent do media censorship and internet restrictions affect daily life?

A. They are felt very strongly. From false statistics about arrests and deaths to the Islamic Republic’s international lobbying and propaganda, the regime constantly distorts reality. This strategy has manipulated global perception for the past 47 years.

Q. How dangerous is it to speak out in this situation, and why do people continue to raise their voices?

A. Honestly, speaking out can cost you your life. People continue to speak because they witness children, aged 3, 7, and 15, being killed in the streets. Remaining silent in such circumstances feels intolerable.

Q. Do you think foreigners misunderstand the situation in Iran?

A. Yes. Due to the Islamic Republic’s lobbying and propaganda, a false image of the Iranian people has been created. In reality, most Iranians oppose this regime. Innocent people in Iran are essentially trapped like hostages under a violent regime.

Q. How do you hope Iranian society will change through these protests?

A. I hope for the overthrow of the Islamic Republic, a change of government through a referendum, and life in a free, democratic society without religious rule.

Q. Is there anything else you would like to add?

A. If global attention fades, the Islamic Republic will intensify executions of detained protesters. Please be our voice.

Reporter



Hyeonseon Namgung

namgung0121@seoultech.ac.kr

Reporter 남궁현선

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• e-mail : namgung0121@seoultech.ac.kr