Amidst the bloody uprising in Iran, women have embraced a form of protest that has captivated global attention. Viral videos on social media showcase Iranian women lighting cigarettes from burning portraits of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This act is not just a protest but a bold challenge to a regime where women's rights are heavily restricted, and defiance of religious laws can lead to the death penalty.
The New Symbol of Defiance: Lighting Cigarettes from Khamenei's Image
This powerful imagery has emerged as an emblem of the ongoing violent rebellion over the past two weeks. By lighting cigarettes from the burning image of Khamenei, women convey that fear is no longer a deterrent. In a nation where public smoking by women is restricted and burning the leader's portrait is a serious offense, this act speaks volumes.
Why Iran is Ablaze and How the Movement Evolved
The protests in Iran began on December 28. Initially sparked by economic woes, inflation, and unemployment, the movement rapidly escalated into a direct rebellion against the Islamic Republic and Khamenei. Protesters are now demanding not just reforms but the dismantling of the entire system.
The streets of Tehran and other cities echo with cries of 'Death to Khamenei' and 'Pahlavi will return', with many calling for the return of Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran's last Shah.
Women's Defiance, Law, and the Fear of Death
In Iran, burning the supreme leader's image is legally a severe crime. There are both societal and legal sanctions against women smoking. Yet, women are boldly defying these prohibitions.
Last year, a young man named Omid Sarlak posted a video of burning Khamenei's image. Hours later, his body was found in his car.
The chief prosecutor of Tehran has already warned that setting government buildings on fire or participating in such protests could lead to capital punishment. Still, the demonstrations show no signs of relenting. According to doctors, the death toll has now reached approximately 200.
The Continuing Rebellion Since 2022
This revolt is not new. Following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022 under the charge of 'improper hijab', a similar uprising erupted, claiming over 500 lives.
Since then, women have attended universities without headscarves, entered stadiums bareheaded, and openly defied religious dictates on social media.
'I've Been Dead for 47 Years'
Another viral video shows an elderly woman, bloodied but undeterred, shouting, 'I'm not afraid. I’ve been dead for 47 years.' This highlights that the protest is not limited to young women; women of all ages have joined the movement.
Global Perspectives
Geopolitical expert Dr. Malouf tweeted that Iran's young women are leading a revolution against Islamic rule. Writer and attorney Clay Travis remarked that this is braver than any feminist movement in the 21st Century America.
The Perils of Symbolic Defiance
Setting Khamenei's image ablaze and lighting cigarettes from it is more than a protest; it is an open rebellion against religious, social, and political power. It challenges an Iranian system that uses laws, police enforcement, and fear to control women. This symbolic defiance poses the greatest challenge to the Khamenei regime.
