Actress Nazanin Boniadi and the Christian call to support Iran’s protesters

Maxine Harrison explores Iran’s growing crisis amid widespread protests and economic collapse. She highlights the hope for change and the urgent call for international solidarity.

Iran has lived under an authoritarian Islamic government since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, a regime that has heavily policed civilian agency and personal freedoms. In 2022, the Woman, Life, Freedom campaign was sparked after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the morality police. Women across Iran responded by cutting their hair and burning hijabs in protest. Now, in what appears to be the most widespread uprising yet, many Iranians are hoping this movement could lead to the collapse of the regime. Reportedly, over 2,000 anti-government demonstrators have been killed, though some believe the number may be higher due to the Iranian government repeatedly shutting down internet access. Born in Tehran and raised in London, actor and activist Nazanin Boniadi has been vocal about the injustices carried out by Iran’s authoritarian government.

She wrote on X on 11th January: ‘The people of Iran are being slaughtered. Let your love for them be greater than your hatred for any individual in the opposition and let us focus on ending this theocracy! I beg you.’