Silent protestors gather in solidarity with Iran

A silent protest has taken place in support of the people of Iran, as the country continues to experience unrest.

Dozens of protestors gathered at The Promenade in Cheltenham earlier to honour those who have lost their lives in Iran, following nationwide unrest in response to the country's supreme leader.

Around 5,137 people have been killed, according to the US-based Iranian Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), following weeks of anti-government protests in Iran.

"We're all gathering here, even though this is just a small group in Cheltenham, just in support, just to stand with our countrymen," said Pasha Pour.

Iran is now in its third week of a government imposed internet blackout.

The protests in Iran began on 28 December over their anger at another sharp fall in the value of the Iranian currency, the rial, against the US dollar on the open market.

The unrest turned into calls for the end of the rule of Iran's supreme leader.

The Iranian government has called the demonstrations "riots" backed by Iran's enemies.

"After the events that went on over the past few days, we definitely need a military support from a foreign government," continued Pour.

"Our only hope is we get some support from other countries and hopefully we can gain our freedom after all these years."

Pour, who has been living in Cheltenham for 25 years, said there is a growing community of Iranian people living in the town.

Last week, around 300 people gathered in Bristol to show solidarity with the Iranian community, and several people said they were "living in fear" over what may be happening with their loved ones.

"You have to raise awareness in every city or town, no matter how big or small. Every voice counts," continued Pour.

"We're out here representing our country."

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