Neda Soltan (Girl Shot in Video) Denied Proper Funeral in Iran
Neda Soltan Name and Video Venerated While Regime Cancels Her Funeral
Other mosques were informed that they were not to hold funeral services for the young woman who has since become the face of a populist rebellion against the current government and its suppressive clerical regime.
A vigil was called for at the spot where Neda Soltan was killed Monday as well. Hundreds of people showed up along with security forces ready to quell any signs of unrest. Iran's Revolutionary Guard announced early Monday morning that any demonstrations would be met with a harsh response.
The legitimacy of a regime -- both political and religious -- is at stake in the current political situation that threatens to tear Iran apart. The death of Neda Soltan and the taking of the death video that galvanized the world were subsequent events that occurred after the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announced Friday that the people of Iran were to accept the Guardian Council's decree that the June 12 elections were the will of Allah. He stressed that no way the election could have been fraudulent. Khamenei also stated that any demonstrations or protests would be met with those responsible being held accountable.
Rulings by the Guardian Council, a council of revered Muslim clerics, are seen as divinely inspired. Many in Iran thought the incumbent president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, had won the election by fraudulent means. With the clerics and the Supreme Leader putting their stamp of approval on the election results, they unknowingly de-legitimized their holy status.
Burial for Muslims is a sacred occurrence and one of dignity. It is to be done as soon as possible. For the regime to interfere in the burial may also be interpreted by many as an offense to the slain Neda Soltan and her family.
Perhaps not the best way to handle a nascent rebellion, insulting the person and the family of one who has become a symbol of a rebellious movement to the established regime. When added to the government's and the Guardian Council's loss of legitimacy, it could prove disastrous for the continuance of the current regime in the long run.
It is unclear when the family will be allowed to have a funeral and bury Neda Soltan.
Meanwhile, her face and her last moments live on in video, and her name has become synonymous with revolution.
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Sources:
NCR-Iran.org
Published by Saul Relative
WVU graduate, with degrees in History, English, Secondary Education, Computer Programming, and Psychology (and nearly a degree in Political Science). Originally from West Virginia, with stints in Virginia,... View profile
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5 Comments
Post a CommentI too saw the video before it was pulled. It was very shocking. Living in the US, I find it hard to imagine that this happens everyday.
Saw the raw video before it was pulled. It was hard to watch and left a memory etched for the innocent unarmed Iranian citizens/civilians who just want fairness and freedom with the only way to fight back is to be murdered so the world will finally take notice. To be so young and beautiful only to be shot/executed in cold blood in the streets by the Iranian government needs to be addressed and not allowed to become another cover up. RIP Neda. You are an unexpected hero that I'm sure did'nt want to be. Maybe now the world is watching. This is what happens when the government is allowed to much power. Our new administration seems to be getting a little cocky. Saw our new President/apologist on TV AGAIN !! (he loves the cameras more than Clinton did) and he seems to be trying to tell us sit down and shut up. I'm smarter and I'm am going to do what I want to do. All this new power going to somebody's inexperiened head ?
Where poor Neda lay down dead
They try to catch water in a sieve
But the genie of freedom has fled
Each arm of the dictatorship flails at shadows
Where poor Neda lay down dead
The information age makes a mockery of them
With all their mean-minded concerns
They fixed an election in Iran
And immediately the whole world learns
They try to clamp down on fresh air
And claim that black is white
Their time has gone but still they resist
Saying wrong is right
The old ways are now in collision
With information they now take arms
But with each sword blade thrust at shadows
Only themselves it harms
They are desperate to put truth in chains
Where everyone by the nose is led
Far away from the bloody road
Where poor Neda lay down dead.
Nada, even in Missouri we hear your cries.Be in your peace, you have done your work.
May you rest in peace..