Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Death of 'Neda' May Echo for Weeks in Iran

Lengthy Shia cycle of mourning martyrs often includes protests

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 22, 2009 6:40 AM CDT

(Newser) – It's not clear who killed the Iranian protester known as Neda, but footage of her gruesome shooting in the streets of Tehran may transform the demonstrations gripping Iran, Time reports. Shia Muslims mourn their dead three, seven, and 40 days after death, and Iranians often use those commemorations for protests. Neda is already being hailed as a martyr—a potent force in Shia Islam and Iranian politics.

In Shia Islam, protest and martyrdom are seen as duties to God—and in Iran, the world's largest Shia nation, the impact can be profound. During the 1978-1979 revolution, deaths triggered mass gatherings at 40-day intervals that eventually led to the shah's downfall. Similar patterns are emerging in this crisis: Last Thursday's rally, the largest so far, was called by Mir Hossein Mousavi to mourn protesters three days after their deaths.

Like most of the information coming out of Tehran, it is impossible to verify this woman's name or the circumstances of her injuries, captured close-up on a bystander's camera.
Like most of the information coming out of Tehran, it is impossible to verify this woman's name or the circumstances of her injuries, captured close-up on a bystander's camera.   (AP Photo)
Neda, which means the voice or the call in Farsi, has become an icon of the Iranian protest movements, although her death could not be verified by independent Western media.
Neda, which means "the voice" or "the call" in Farsi, has become an icon of the Iranian protest movements, although her death could not be verified by independent Western media.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Footage of the murder of Neda, presumably by Basij forces, has circulated worldwide on social networking sites. Warning: disturbing images.   (MrFreeIran)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next »
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
newsrmandan
Jun 22, 2009 9:47 AM CDT
I was thinking the same thing. The blood started to flow oddly around the time some guy put his hand over her face. I just like to be careful of anything coming from such a "charged" area of the world. Any one watching Irans nuke issue anymore?
plstyle
Jun 22, 2009 5:16 AM CDT
Bro, thats a real video of a chick dying.
prowlerzee
Jun 22, 2009 1:50 AM CDT
Sameold, as an "internet user," you can easily do the research yourself. There are numerous mainstream media sources for this story, and the fact that there is no background shots might have something to do with the fact it was no professional cameraman there covering the entire story. The footage was probably from a cell phone by a horrified bystander or fellow protester. You should do your own research but here's one clue: it's being reported that Neda has been buried, but that the officials refused to allow a memorial service for her. Apparently the government over there knows she was a real corpse and a real martyr, too...and they denied her a memorial service to try to tamp down the outrage.

More Newser Stories

A Year Later, Iran Tense, Quiet

Neda's Boyfriend: 'This Movement Will Never Die'

Iranian Police Clash With Protesters

Iran Students Hope to Reignite Smoldering Unrest

Iranian Protesters Raped in Prison: Candidate


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne