Israel's UN Envoy Spotlights Mahsa Amini At Iranian President's Speech

The United Nations General Assembly has always been a stage where world leaders come together to address global issues, promote peace, and advocate for human rights. However, the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York City on September 19, 2023, witnessed a poignant moment that exposed the glaring disconnect between the lofty ideals of diplomacy and the grim realities faced by Iranian dissidents.

 As Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi took the podium, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, made a powerful statement by waving a photo of Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish Iranian who met a tragic end in the custody of Tehran's "morality police."

The Symbolic Act

In a daring act of protest, Ambassador Erdan displayed a photo of Mahsa Amini, a young woman whose life was cut short under harrowing circumstances. Her crime? Refusing to conform to the strict dress code imposed by Iranian authorities. Amini's tragic fate underscores the heavy-handed tactics of the Iranian regime and their disregard for basic human rights. 

The photo bore a simple yet powerful message: "Iranian women deserve freedom now!" Ambassador Erdan, along with the Israeli delegation, chose to exit the plenum after delivering this message, a gesture that resonated with those who understood the gravity of the situation. However, this act of protest was not without consequences, as Erdan was briefly detained by UN security personnel amid a barrage of hostile chants.

In a  tweet posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Erdan shared the video of his protest and stated, "When President Raisi of Iran, the 'Butcher of Tehran,' began his speech, I waved a picture of Mahsa Amini, the innocent Iranian woman who was brutally murdered by the regime one year ago for not wearing a hijab 'properly.'" Erdan went on to emphasize the urgency of the situation, noting that outside the United Nations, hundreds of Iranians were protesting, imploring the international community for assistance.

A Cry for Help

As the world's attention turned to the United Nations General Assembly, New York City found itself at the epicentre of a tumultuous display of discontent. The presence of Iran's president, Ebrahim Raisi, at the global diplomatic gathering on Tuesday sparked protests throughout the city.

These demonstrations, timed to coincide with the anniversary of Iran's nationwide uprisings that commenced the previous September, underscored a fervent call for justice and accountability. Their voices, though drowned out by the diplomatic proceedings within, echoed the urgent need for intervention. "It is inconceivable that a murderer with blood on his hands gets a platform here at the UN," Erdan stated emphatically.

Mahsa Amini: A Symbol of Resistance

Mahsa Amini's tragic fate in September 2022 serves as a poignant symbol of the challenges faced by ordinary Iranians under the Iranian regime. Her death in the custody of the "morality police" was a catalyst for widespread protests, known as the "Woman, Life, Liberty" protests, echoing the Kurdish slogan "Jin, Jiyan, Azadî." These protests, characterised by their resilience, persisted for months, signifying the Iranian people's unwavering quest for freedom and justice. The anniversary of Amini's death, which fell over the weekend, prompted sporadic protests in various Iranian cities. These gatherings served as a testament to the enduring impact of her story and the unrelenting quest for justice within Iran.

A Call for International Action

Erdan's departure from the UN session carried a clear message: Israel stands in solidarity with the Iranian people. It is an unequivocal call to the international community to address the injustices perpetrated by regimes like Iran.  Erdan's plea for the world to "stop the madness" resonates with those who believe that individuals with blood on their hands should not have a platform on the international stage.

The 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly bore witness to a dramatic moment, as Ambassador Gilad Erdan's principled stand confronted the presence of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Erdan's symbolic gesture, invoking the memory of Mahsa Amini, echoes the collective voice of those who seek justice and freedom for the Iranian people.

The controversy surrounding Raisi's past and the resilience of the "Woman, Life, Liberty" protests serve as stark reminders of the challenges facing Iran and the global community's responsibility to address them. As the world watches, the call for accountability and change grows louder, challenging the status quo on the international stage.

Suggested Reading - Long Jail Time, Harsh Penalties: What Does Iran's New Hijab Law Say