I just got off the phone to an Iranian who lives here in Australia, more than 12,000kms from Tehran.

He wouldn’t speak publicly about the protests and clashes between supporters of Mir Hussein Mousavi and authorities.

Here’s why (more below the fold) - and remember, he’s more than 12,000km away from where this is all happening:

“We don’t want to be pulled aside in the airport by security. They’ll say, ‘what’s this, you’ve written this article…

“I can’t refer you to anyone. They would definitely ask you about it next time you went to Iran.

“It’s a very tricky matter. Our government isn’t like the Rudd Government. We are free here, we can enjoy things.

“You’re going back to see your parents and security will pull you aside. Even if they don’t do anything to you, it pisses you off.

“The mood in the community is that everyone is sympathising, but few people will speak about it.”

2 comments

Show oldest | newest first

    • Dave says:

      07:21pm | 16/06/09

      Come on….someone else must have found it funny that this article is filed under Democracy…...anyone?

    • HelĂ©na says:

      09:38pm | 16/06/09

      nothing funny about it :( I have been wondering why we had not heard more from Iranians living in Australia, and am very concerned about the people in Iran who have been risking their lives every day since the election results were announced

 

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