Barack and Michelle Obama’s Statement on Iran Protests

Image Source: Getty / Leigh Vogel

Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are celebrating International Day of the Girl with a timely commendation. The former president and first lady shared a statement on Oct. 11 praising the Iranian women and girls currently involved in demonstrations taking place both online and on the ground. “We stand in solidarity with the courageous Iranian women and girls who have inspired the world through their ongoing protests,” the statement read.

The Obamas expressed being “in awe” of those who have joined the reignited fight for women’s rights in Iran. They said, “The rights they seek are universal: equality, the ability to make their own choices about how they look and dress and express their identities, and the freedom to do so without facing harassment, intimidation, and violence.”

Protests in Iran began following the death of Mahsa Amini while in police custody in Tehran on Sept. 16. Just before her death, the 22-year-old was detained by the designated “morality police” for allegedly violating hijab regulations. Officials claim she collapsed and fell into a coma after arriving at the detention center, but it’s since come to light that she likely suffered severe brain trauma.

In the weeks since, people have taken to the streets despite the threat of police violence. Many women are publicly cutting their hair or burning the hijab to make a point about the importance of choice in modest training. A social media movement is also underway, and one hashtag, among many, loosely translates to, “You will never walk alone.” Directly addressing protestors, the Obamas said, “We are moved by your acts of protest, and bear witness to your bravery in facing down the brutality of a regime resisting calls for change. You are delivering a powerful message that injustice should not be tolerated.”

The Obamas ended their statement writing, “There are surely difficult days ahead, and our hearts go out to those who have tragically lost loves ones in Iran. But we believe that the future will ultimately belong to the young women and girls of Iran who are refusing to be silent. You remind us that true power comes not from clinging to the past, but from the effort to build a better future.”

This acknowledgment comes a week after President Joe Biden said the United States would hold accountable the officials responsible and help facilitate unrestricted internet access for Iranians. “I remain gravely concerned about reports of the intensifying violent crackdown on peaceful protestors in Iran, including students and women, who are demanding their equal rights and basic human dignity,” he said in a statement. “The United States stands with Iranian women and all the citizens of Iran who are inspiring the world with their bravery.”