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SALT LAKE CITY — A large crowd marched from Washington Square to the steps of the Utah State Capitol on Saturday to show solidarity for those suffering in Iran.
"They are not asking for much. The women in Iran are asking for basic human rights. The government in Iran is just a fraudulent act, and they will never have peace unless America steps in to help," Amy Zadh said.
Zadh is part of the Persian Students Association at the University of Utah.
"I was very emotional while I was marching. I am showing up for my country. I am safe here; that is not the case for so many who are threatened by the morality police," she said.
Mahsa Amini, 22, from the Iranian Kurdish town of Saqez, was arrested last month in Tehran for "unsuitable attire" by the morality police that enforces the Islamic Republic's strict dress code for women. Her death sparked protests around the globe. Salt Lake City hosted one of 153 marches in cities throughout the world.
Navid Farzan also marched Saturday and told KSL he was abducted, by the Iranian regime in 2009 while taking part in a pro-democracy movement in Iran.
"I was in tears today as I was marching. The world doesn't know the terror and inhumane conditions happening in Iran. I lived it. Tens of thousands of people are being tortured, beaten and raped. Please hear our voices. There is a complete media blackout in Iran, and yet Iranians are standing up against this corrupt regime," Farzan said.
The former president of the Persian Students Association at the University of Utah who goes by M.G., claims there has been no support from the university.
"If an Iranian is going to get out of Iran, it will be because they attend school in the United States. We have a large body of Persian students at the University of Utah. We have asked U. of U. administrators for support, and we have been ignored," M.G. said.
Students expressed frustration, sharing that the school press has not covered the Iran protests and the university's president would not respond to requests to stand in solidarity.
Those who marched Saturday hope the Biden administration will switch gas and oil trade dependence from Russia to Iran. Students encouraged anyone wanting to help to contact their congressional representatives.
