Recent Iran election draws local solidarity

June 29, 2009 by Tiffany Allen 

Community gathers to promote freedom for Iranian protesters of presidential election

UNLV students and other Las Vegas residents gathered at the Alumni Amphitheatre on Friday evening to rally for freedom and solidarity with those protesting the results of the recent Iranian election.

“We are here to make more people aware of this issue,” said Jessica Lucero, a UNLV graduate student and president of the Graduate and Professional Student Association.

Between the amphitheatre and the Student Union, there were several Iranian flags, an American flag, green and black balloons and cars decorated with green, white and red paint.

Protesters held candles, which were lined up to spell “Iran” and people holding homemade signs dressed in black and green.

“Candles are part of a traditional ceremony to mourn those that we have lost to the protest,” said a demonstrator who wished to remain anonymous.

Another protestor who did not want to be identified said that the color green stood for the Iranian protest and that the color black stood for sadness and mourning.

Two people that helped organize the rally had breathing masks over their mouths to try to hide their identities in pictures.

“I have a lot of family in Iran and my family and I are here to support freedom for them,” said Shayan Heravi, an incoming UNLV freshman. “This is a warning and support.”

Signs bore sayings like, “Where is my vote?” and “Freedom for Iran.” A few showed pictures of people in Iran that have been hurt during the civil unrest.

“The rally is to support the right to assemble and is against the killing of innocent people in Iran,” said Bernadette Lazar, a UNLV junior. “I was really inspired when I saw a video [of slain Iranian protester] Neda.”

Demonstrators chanted slogans like “democracy for Iran,” “don’t kill our people” and “freedom for Iran.”

They walked to the corner of Harmon and Maryland where passing cars showed their support. Some UNLV students booed the demonstrators while others joined in the effort.

“Even though we’re from different countries, it doesn’t mean we can’t help each other,” said Jandery Vargas, a UNLV junior from Mexico who insisted on coming to the rally. She said that she felt he could help the cause.

The rally drew the attention of numerous media outlets, but Lucero explained that the night was not about the cameras.

“This protest isn’t about [publicity]. It’s about… solidarity for Iran,” Lucero said. “We are here to stop the injustice.”

The Iranian government says at least 17 people have died and hundreds more have been arrested since protests began over what demonstrators say was a rigged national election.

Re-elected president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his main challenger, reformist Mir Hossein Mousavi, have both declared themselves the winner.

Mousavi’s followers are protesting for the nullification of the election results. The nation’s Guardian Council, a 12-member board charged with up keeping constitutional law, is now probing into the results.