Community | November 16, 2009 | 10 comments

Neda's boyfriend speaks after escaping Iran

source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/nov/15/iran-neda-caspian-makan-interview

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Caspian Makan, a 38 year old Iranian photographer, has had a terrible few months. Amid massive street protests against Iran's government his girlfriend, Neda Agha Soltan, died a bloody and disturbing death. And the whole watched it on YouTube. Things only got worse for Makan from there. He spent months in the dreaded Evin Prison and upon release, decided to flee the country for his own safety.

The Guardian has a long interview with Caspian Makan, now having had smugglers help him escape Iran. A short excerpt:
"On the day of her death, Caspian was out with his camera in another part of the city. "I was taking pictures of the protests and the protesters that day. It was hard to take pictures as the security guards were beating up protesters. I used my mobile's camera when I couldn't use my big camera. It was six to seven in the evening when I started seeing people get shot and injured. I thought of Neda a lot. I was very worried for her. I wanted to call her but the mobile phone system had been disconnected and I couldn't contact her at all. I didn't sleep that night. The terrible scenes were going through my head. I was sitting in front of my computer, looking at the photos I had taken. Around six in the morning my mobile rang. It was Neda's number. But it wasn't her. It was her sister. She said, 'Caspian, Neda is gone!' I didn't understand what she meant. I couldn't believe what she was telling me."

From the Guardian: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/nov/15/iran-neda-caspian-makan-interview

Covered on the News blog: http://blogs.current.com/news/2009/11/16/nedas-boyfriend-speaks-after-escaping-i...
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10 comments // Neda's boyfriend speaks after escaping Iran

  • karenazimi
  • nursediesel
  • WhiteNoise
    • 0
      WhiteNoise  

    • YOUTH TAKE OVER OF IRAN UNSTOPPABLE !
      60 percent of Iranians are under the age of 30, and they have had enough of strict Islamic rule. The Iranian Baby Boom
      http://www.slate.com/id/2220390/

      Everywhere there are signs that the religious authorities are losing control. “We were singing, dancing in the streets, boys and girls together. We had never done this before. No one wanted to go home." “It seems people were half dead before and suddenly everyone felt alive.”

      The hardliners can always launch another temporary crackdown. But in the end, the 1970s Islamic revolution seems certain to be undone by its own children.

      IRAN'S MAJORITY IS UNDER 30 YEARS OLD !
      Youth, Women's Rights, and Political Change in Iran
      http://www.prb.org/Articles/2009/iranyouth.aspx?p=1

      THERE IS NO ELEGANCE IN BEING A GOOD LOOSER WHEN WHAT IS LOST IS LIBERTY !

      Creating Grassroots Movements for Change
      A Field Guide Manual
      The Alliance of Youth Movements brought together media corporations, Obama consultants, social network entrepreneurs, and youth groups under the auspices of the State Dept. From this, they produced a Field Guide and How-to videos on how to build “powerful grassroots movements. http://info.howcast.com/youthmovements/fieldmanual

      If there are oppressive or violent elements at work in your country or region, simply talking about your cause could put your freedom or very life in danger. If you believe that you may be at risk, please consult Chapter 7: “Potential Challenges” before proceeding with any action. Above all, know what is and isn’t allowed in your specific circumstance so that you never unwittingly put yourself or others in harm’s way.

    • 2 years ago
  • WhiteNoise
  • navider
    • 0
      navider  

    • Escaping out of Iran is becoming more common among protesters that have been detained by the Iranian Government. If released from prison the government places each individual on a list and makes it impossible for him/her to live an ordinary life. You will not have a career or any privacy. I know this through relatives on mine in Iran.

      Instead of trying to change the country that you love, one option is to escaping it.

      My family escaped in 1985.

    • 2 years ago
  • cabinettags
    • 0
      cabinettags  

    • I feel sorry for the guy. No longer a kid. Was maping his plans with his new lady, and then this. Months in prison. Whole life, now empty, turned upside down. Even had to escape his entire country to be safe, in spite of the fact he didn't do anything. I've had my times, but nothing like that. I wish him the best.

    • 2 years ago
  • WhiteNoise
  • idealist
  • abigaylebeyer
    • 0
      abigaylebeyer  

    • I remember watching Neda's death on CNN the first time they aired it (and the only time they showed the full clip). It still haunts me as the only time I've watched the life leave someone's body. She really redefined the word "martyr" in a way that made it relatable to all human beings. Neda inspired me as I'm sure she inspired many.

    • 2 years ago
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