Episode 56 -Iran Freedom & Human Rights: Zolal Habibi on Activism, Women’s Rights, and Global Change (Part 2)
By Jessica Garrison
Starting from where we left off in our last blog and episode, Zolal continues into the conversation of coming back to her why and her values, something very personal to her and her mission. The NCRI emphasizes the opposition of discrimination and exploitation against anyone. Not just what is convenient for them, or for only themselves to have the opportunity to achieve their goals. Men have also fought long and hard for change, looking inward for a solution rather than accepting the bare minimum or placing blame on others. It would be easier to join the side of the oppressor and accept things for the way they are, but they know that they deserve better and so do future generations. The NCRI are the change they want to see in the world and are actively working to make it happen.
The core values of the NCRI are sacrifice and honesty, two traits that mean everything in the work that they do. In the first part of her episode, Zolal shares how political prisoners in 1988 were unfairly sent to death after answering three questions about their actions and loyalty. They could have easily lied to avoid torture or death, but they stood up against tyranny and inequality, solidifying sacrifice and honesty as words that run deep in their history. Those prisoners stood by their values and answered honestly which side of history they would be on. I can’t imagine such a horrifying experience but to also have the strength within to stand by everything you’ve fought for. The inspiration that comes from Zolal’s stories are chilling, while still igniting the fire inside to do more.
The NCRI was even on a list of terrorist organizations, which is virtually impossible to get off of once you’re on it. However, they were able to because the courts found that there is nothing terrorist about their group and removed them from the list in 2012, a victory towards recognizing the efforts they put forth to free everyone from injustice. Zolal speaks on war not being beneficial for anyone, especially being surrounded by it her whole life. She is not the first generation fighting for Iranian freedom, but she also isn’t the last as they continue their efforts every single day. Zolal and the NCRI create unity in society for trust, and that’s how they are able to continue making such positive impacts in the world.
The country of Iran needs outside “help” to stop interfering and let its citizens gain their independence. It’s very telling of a person what side they land on: the one of those killing anyone who disagrees with them or the one of those who fight for the freedom of all. Everyone deserves to live in a way that feels true to them without fear. Zolal says it is easier to die for a cause than it is to live for a cause, and she is doing the hard work of not only living for the cause, but for creating change for it. Current NCRI leader, Maryam Rajavi, has a ten point plan for Iran, which is linked below with our other resources. I want to say a special thank you to Zolal Habibi for sharing her story with us on The FEEL Podcast and for everything she does in her day to day life to fight for the freedom of Iran.
Ways to Engage: Read Maryam Rajavi’s plan for the future of Iran, share it, and continue to follow the story of Iran’s fight for freedom. Remember that A. Philip Randoplh once said, “Freedom is never given; it is won.”
Resources:
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