Our thoughts are with those affected by the events in Iran and the Iranian women community as a whole. Queen Mary Students’ Union expresses solidarity with everyone affected.
Trigger Warning: This statement contains mentions of violence, sexual assault and distressing information. Please read at your discretion.
You may be aware of the ongoing crisis in Iran, where many women and supporters of women’s rights are protesting against the Iranian regime’s mandatory hijab policy.
These protests were sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody. Mahsa’s family believe she was tortured and beaten to death by the morality police.
Initially, information coming out of Iran was limited due to the Irainian Government cutting off the internet and prohibiting news crews from entering the country. The internet shutdown has caused further distress as it has led to Iranians being unable to contact their families and loved ones. As more information has emerged, protests have spread worldwide, including in London, New York etc. with people condemning the actions of the Iranian Government and the police.
Since the start of the protests, it has been estimated by human rights organisations that at least 233 protestors have died at the hands of the police.
Queen Mary Students’ Union condemns the abhorrent actions of the police, which includes the killing of Mahsa Amini as well as sexual and physical voilence towards protestors, resulting in more killings.
Our thoughts are with those affected by these events and the Iranian women community as a whole. Queen Mary Students’ Union expresses solidarity with everyone affected.
We applaud the brave people who have stood up for women’s rights. Protesters worldwide, particularly women, have risked their lives as well as their families for a woman’s right to choose what she wears.
We strongly believe in a woman’s right to choose.
We understand that this is a difficult and distressing time for many students. The Students’ Union are here to support you. We encourage you to reach out to us if you need to speak to someone.
Radhika Thiagarajan, Vice President Communities
Your Executive Officers, Adi, Jojo, Muneer, Saynab and Charlie
Useful links:
Financial Assistance Fund: funding available to help students who are experiencing financial hardship - https://arcs.qmul.ac.uk/students/finances/bursaries-grants-scholarships/financial-assistance-fund/
Advice and Counselling Service: confidential and professional support. Students can contact the service directly or request to speak to a Welfare Advisor or Counsellor. There is advice on a range of financial, legal, and welfare issues, such as eligibility to funding, student immigration, visas, etc. - https://www.qmul.ac.uk/welfare/about-us/contact-us/contact-us-form/
Academic Advice Service: independent, free and confidential advice and representation open to all Queen Mary students on a range of academic issue – https://www.qmsu.org/advice/academic/
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/63132235
https://news.sky.com/story/uk-sanctions-irans-morality-police-following-death-of-mahsa-amini-12717349
https://www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2022/sep/29/mahsa-amini-how-one-womens-death-ignited-protests-in-iran-podcast
https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/mahsa-amini
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mahsa-amini-iran-protests-family-cousin-erfan-mortezaei-speaks-out-torture/