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The South Azerbaijan National Movement and Repressions by the Iranian Government

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Introduction

National movements are often known as collective social phenomena characterized by the mobilization of individuals or groups within a state to achieve common goals related to their shared identity, culture, or political rights and aspirations. These movements frequently arise in response to perceived injustices, grievances, or desires for greater autonomy, independence, or social change.

The South Azerbaijan national movement pertains to the socio-political movement among Azerbaijanis living in Iran, striving for the recognition of their cultural, linguistic, and political rights. This movement opposes the oppressive and inhumane nature of the Iranian government. Like many other national movements worldwide, the South Azerbaijan national movement encompasses a variety of goals and aspirations, reflecting its multifaceted character.

Within this movement, there are those who advocate for the promotion of the Azerbaijani language and culture, emphasizing the importance of preserving their political-cultural identity, and others who demand more political representation or autonomy separate from the Iranian state. The diversity of goals and aspirations highlights the complexity within this national movement and the various approaches its members take to achieve their common desires.

Systemic Repression by the Iranian Government

Despite the diversity of goals and aspirations within the South Azerbaijan national movement, all its groups face a common problem: systemic repression and human rights violations by the Iranian government. Regardless of their specific demands, activists and human rights defenders within the movement face various forms of repression, including restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly, and association. The Iranian government uses tactics such as censorship, arbitrary arrests, threats, torture, and even the death penalty to silence South Azerbaijani activists.

The Iranian judiciary operates in a manner entirely contrary to the ideals of justice and legality. Instead of upholding justice, it often serves as an instrument of oppression, systematically targeting minorities and dissidents. The judicial system works in tandem with security forces to suppress political dissent and opposition. This alignment ensures that those who dare to challenge the status quo are often silenced through means that violate basic human rights.

For example, a 16-year-old student named Atila Arfai from Tabriz was arrested during the 2022 protests. During his detention, this teenager was brutally beaten, resulting in injuries and fractures to his nose, face, and various parts of his body. He was subjected to additional torture because of his proficiency in his native language. Another example is Mehdi Hamidi Shafiq, a well-known sociologist and human rights defender. Mehdi was also arrested during the 2022 protests, but he was detained at his home despite not participating in the protests. People who do not participate in protests but are known for their political activism, dissenting views, or connections with minority groups often face such repressions.

Strategic Arrests and Media Manipulation

In addition to strategic arrests, the Iranian government controls the narrative of the national movement, using tactics such as strategic arrests to shape public opinion and suppress dissent. By arresting key figures in the movement—such as leaders, vocal activists, and influential supporters—the government can create leadership vacuums, disrupting the coordination and momentum of the movement. These arrests are often highly publicized, sending a clear message to the wider population that dissent will face severe consequences. This intimidation tactic discourages others from participating in or supporting the movement, effectively stifling its growth. Furthermore, the government manipulates the media to control the narratives surrounding these arrests. State-controlled media outlets often portray the arrested individuals as criminals, terrorists, or foreign agents, labeling the movement as illegitimate and dangerous.

Alongside strategic arrests, the government can also control the narrative of the national movement by selectively not arresting certain figures, thus sowing skepticism and division within the movement. By allowing some prominent activists or leaders to remain free, the government can create an atmosphere of distrust among movement participants, who may begin to suspect these individuals of collaborating with the authorities or acting as informants. This tactic effectively undermines the unity and solidarity crucial to the movement’s success. In doing so, the government can weaken the movement from within, causing internal strife and reducing its capacity for effective mobilization.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the social movements in Iran are a testament to the resilience and courage of its people in the face of systemic oppression and authoritarian rule. However, the government’s adept use of narratives to manage and manipulate these movements underscores the challenges and complexities of enacting social change in such an environment. By shaping public discourse, conducting propaganda, and silencing dissenting voices, the regime seeks to maintain its control and quell any challenges to its authority. Nonetheless, despite these formidable obstacles, the spirit of resistance for freedom, justice, and national governance persists. As social movements continue to evolve and adapt, it is crucial for human rights and democracy advocates to stand in solidarity with the Iranian people, amplify their voices, and support meaningful changes on the global stage. Only through sustained pressure and unwavering determination can the entrenched narratives of oppression be dismantled, paving the way for a more just society.

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