Interview With Fiance of Murdered Iranian Protester Neda

Der Spiegel

Journalist Caspian Makan, 38, was the fiance of Iranian protester Neda Agha Soltan, who became the icon of the protest movement after her murder during a demonstration in Tehran on June 20. He was arrested following the protests and only released from Tehran's notorious Evin Prison after his family put their house up as bail collateral. He later fled the country through Turkey. Today he lives as a political refugee in Canada.

Months after her murder in Tehran, little has been done to investigate the circumstances of Iranian protester Neda Agha-Soltan's death. Her former fiance, Caspian Makan, who fled the country to avoid being part of a show trial, says he hopes the United Nations and other international organizations will challenge the Iranian government.

SPIEGEL: Your fiancee is considered the icon of the Iranian opposition movement. How deeply was Neda really involved in the "Green Movement"?

Caspian Makan: Neda wasn't actually politically active. She first got started after the protests began. One of the last things she said was: "Everyone must do something."

SPIEGEL: What motivated her?

Makan: She suffered under the regime. As a student, she was patronized and told what to do: How she should wear her headscarf, what make-up and what kind of lipstick was allowed. Freedom was a very big issue for her.

SPIEGEL: Were you and Neda aware of the danger?

Makan: We had a feeling that something would happen. I wanted to keep her from protesting, but Neda said: Even if I get hit by a bullet, the freedom of my people is more important. rest.

Prayers for him and his family and all the others who are fighting for a free Iran.

IRAN PROTEST IMAGES IN TRIBUTE TO NEDA اقامت قوی برای