Protests calling for the end of the Islamic Republic have continued worldwide, with Iranian Americans in Northern California holding demonstrations in areas including Sacramento, Turlock, and Roseville. Participants said the rallies are meant to show support for people in Iran and raise awareness about conditions there. Amir Hamidi, an Iranian American, told KCRA, “The brutality of the regime, how it started, because the imprisoning of people and they had no democratic rights.”
Protests in Iran have been driven by worsening water shortages, an economic crisis, and rising public frustration. Bardia Hariri told ABC10 that “Iran is facing triple-digit inflation,” with prices nearly doubling. A communication blackout has limited contact between people in Iran and family members abroad. Some demonstrators have expressed support for Reza Pahlavi, son of the last Shah of Iran, whom Hariri described as “He is a national figure who for decades has consistently advocated for freedom, for dignity, for prosperity for the entire of the Iranians.” Sahar Razavi, a political science professor and director of the Iranian and Middle Eastern Studies Center at CSU Sacramento, said Pahlavi’s support may be stronger among Iranians living abroad, particularly in Los Angeles, than inside Iran.
Iranian Americans in Northern California are holding weekend rallies calling for a shift toward a secular democracy in Iran. Protesters say they are demonstrating in response to reports of violence against civilians, with Charles Sharlou stating, “They are killing the kids because they are asking for freedom.” Organizers say the protests also reflect concerns about how the situation in Iran affects international relations and U.S. policy. Some members of the diaspora are urging U.S. leaders not to negotiate with Iran’s current government, with Bardia Hariri saying, “Do not negotiate with this regime. Please help Iran. Please make Iran great again,” as per ABC10.
