‘Stop this madness’: Iranian natives in Wisconsin react to events in Iran

MEQUON, Wis. — Months earlier than the Iranian Revolution in 1979, Ali Soltani left his residence nation of Iran at 21 years previous. He got here to Wisconsin to proceed his schooling and hasn’t been again.

Soltani constructed a life within the states: a spouse, youngsters and has job.

However his coronary heart remains to be again residence, particularly when he activates the tv to see the current occasions. 

“The regime has been very brutal,” mentioned Soltani. “They’re attacking homes, stealing individuals at evening from their homes, taking pictures individuals within the metropolis with shotguns and rifles. Thus far, 400 individuals have been killed, 20,000 individuals have been arrested.” 

The unrest began with an incident involving 22-year-old Masha Amini.

“She was arrested for improper veil, which we’re advised she didn’t have improper veil,” mentioned Soltani. “She was hit within the head by somebody who was holding her and in a while, she collapsed and went right into a coma and died.” 

He mentioned her loss of life was the ultimate straw for a number of Iranians. 

“That is occurring in a time the place persons are fed up with all the pieces,” mentioned Soltani. “With the lies, with the mismanagement, with the stealing of the cash.”

Soltani mentioned protests in opposition to the federal government are rising extra frequent, however this time it’s getting extra consideration due to social media. 

“They are saying don’t name it a protest anymore,” mentioned Soltani. “They mentioned name it a revolution as a result of they don’t suppose it’s going to cease.” 

Soltani met Amir Heidarian when he was attending the College of Wisconsin-Madison. Heidarian left Iran in 1983 and each are part of the group referred to as the Iranian American Neighborhood of Wisconsin. 

“My coronary heart is in Iran,” mentioned Heidarian. “I’ve family members there and I’m from there. I’m Iranian American. I’m proud to be American. I’m additionally proud to be Iranian. What we’ve right here, I would like my individuals to have that in Iran.” 

They mentioned there are methods Wisconsinites may also help Iran. 

“Contact all of the congressmen and ladies to inform them to cease coping with the Iranian regime, and stand by the individuals and assist them, and put circumstances on the Iranian regime and put strain to cease this insanity,” mentioned Soltani.

For now, each will proceed to coach and advocate for his or her residence nation, hoping change will occur.​