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'Dying for peace' - Iranians in NI call for international help in Iran

Lyndsey TelfordBBC News NI
News imageBBC A woman with black hair is standing outside at a protest in front of a building. She is wearing a red hat, top and grey coat. Other people can be seen wearing coats behind her. A small Iranian flag can be seen held by someone out of focus behind her.BBC
Edeh Zamani said she is acting as a voice for friends and family in Iran

Iranians living in Northern Ireland have said their loved ones back home are "dying just to have some peace".

A group of about 50 people took part in a demonstration at Belfast City Hall on Saturday, calling for international support to "free Iran".

It comes after protests in the Middle Eastern country over worsening economic conditions were met with a violent and deadly crackdown by the authorities.

Edeh Zamani, an Iranian who has been living in Northern Ireland for 25 years, said her loved ones in Iran know they are risking their lives when taking to the streets.

She said even speaking out in Belfast was considered a risk - fearing there could be repercussions for friends and family still in Iran.

"We all have families and friends in Iran who are dying just to have some peace," Zamani said.

"We need to get rid of the dictator in Iran. It will help Iranians, it will help the region, it will help the world."

News imageProtesters stand outside in winter attire in front of a big grey ornate building. They are holding various banners and Iranian flags.
About 50 people took part in a demonstration outside Belfast City Hall

'We are their voice'

She described how, despite an ongoing internet blackout in Iran, she received a message from her best friend there during a short period of connectivity.

"She said 'this is not life, we are not living a life anymore'."

The Iranian authorities have said the death toll following the recent violence stood at about 3,000 - with most of the dead claimed to be from the security forces.

However, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said it confirmed more than 6,000 protesters dead, while Norway-based Iran Human Rights said the final toll could exceed 25,000.

Zamani said her loved ones in Iran were all "begging" her to "come out and shout for them".

"We are their voice," she said.

The mother-of-two, who has raised her family in Northern Ireland, added that the Iranian community needed more support.

"We need more people, we need more support, we need Belfast," she said.

"We need the politicians, we need our MPs. I don't know where they are. Every week we are here shouting."

"It's unfair. What's going on in Iran is horrific," she added.