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Neda Mourned Privately as Iran Bans Memorials

Slain 26-year-old lover of music, travel 'couldn't stand injustice'

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 23, 2009 6:59 AM CDT

(Newser) – Neda Agha-Soltan has become the face of the Iranian protests but friends say she was never an activist before the disputed election, the Los Angeles Times reports. The 26-year-old, a music lover who was studying for a career in tourism, was shot dead by a sniper on her way to a protest Saturday. She was aware of the danger, friends say, but felt she had to take a stand.

"She couldn't stand the injustice of it all," her music teacher said. "All she wanted was the proper vote of the people to be counted." Iran has banned prayers and eulogies for Neda and told friends and family not to discuss her but her teacher says he is not afraid to speak out. "They know me," he said. "They know where I am. They can come and get me whenever they want. My time has gone. We have to think about the young people."

Iranian residents of  Dubai light candles in front of the image of Neda Agha Soltan, who was killed when hit by a bullet during a protest in Tehran three days ago.
Iranian residents of Dubai light candles in front of the image of Neda Agha Soltan, who was killed when hit by a bullet during a protest in Tehran three days ago.   (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)
This May 2009 photo shows Neda Agha Soltan, who was shot dead Saturday evening near protests in Iran.
This May 2009 photo shows Neda Agha Soltan, who was shot dead Saturday evening near protests in Iran.   (AP Photo/Courtesy Caspian Makan)
Neda Agha-Soltan, shot dead in Tehran on Saturday, has become an icon of the Iranian protest movement.
Neda Agha-Soltan, shot dead in Tehran on Saturday, has become an icon of the Iranian protest movement.   (AP Photo)
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CNN reports on the global impact the video of Neda's death has had.   (CNN Video)

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She was a person full of joy. She was a beam of light. I'm so sorry. I was so hopeful for this woman.
- Hamid Panahi, Neda Agha Soltan's music teacher and close friend

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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Reader65069154
Jun 23, 2009 12:41 PM CDT
Iran will reap what it sewed; you cannot force people to live in a dictatorial bubble trying to hang on to 12th century values. While inspiring a glimmer of hope for the West, we need to realize that we may just be seeing the sparks of a revolution this time, not the flames.
kirei_gaisuto
Jun 23, 2009 4:09 AM CDT
We can't intervene, because it's important that they change their government themselves. I hope they can overthrow the current regime and I hope that Mousavi isn't just another Ahmadinejad.

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