Iran has been going through a very difficult time in the past few years and in particular in the past six months. At the end of last year, the people of Iran decided that enough was enough and took to the streets to protest their situation that is worsened by the Iranian regime and its corrupt policies and severe mismanagement of the nation’s wealth.

Since this major uprising, protests have been taking place all over the country. The editorial mentioned the huge anti-regime protest that took place following the funeral ceremony of Naser Malek Motiei, a well-known Iranian film star, on 27th May. The famous actor was banned from making films after the Islamic Revolution, but he has remained popular with the people. The regime, fearful of large gatherings of people in case they turn into protests, was denounced by the Iranians who took part.

The editorial called on the European leaders to see the reality of what is happening in Iran. When the widespread protests swept across the country, the Iranian regime “tried to create an environment of terror by identifying and arresting protesters and murdering them in prison under torture”.

The author points out that the protests are based on more than just the mistreatment and disregard of human rights. The issues are extremely deep-rooted and are the result of almost four decades of repression by the clerical regime. “The continued protests are rooted in poverty, unemployment, drought, government corruption and suppression, and they will not die down until those grievances are addressed.”

During the period of one single week at the end of May, there were almost 500 protests against the regime across Iran. There were labour protests and several student, political prisoner and teacher protests. There were also hundreds of protests by truck drivers.

The editorial pointed out that in the midst of all this negativity, disruption and hardship, there is actually a positive for the people of Iran – the revival of hope. The people can see that the Iranian regime is badly damaged and is likely to lose its grasp on power soon. “Indeed, the regime’s survival has now turned into an open discussion among its internal factions.”

Furthermore, the organisation of the protests is evolving and the regime is concerned about the role of the main opposition – the PMOI / MEK. The regime has concluded that the PMOI is taking advantage of the grievances the people have. Yet the reality is that the opposition is supporting the people, battling for their human rights and calling for justice for the victims of the regime. The people are getting more respect from the PMOI than from the leadership of the country.

Finally, the writer called on the European leaders to “think twice before making any financial investment in Iran or political investment on any faction within the regime”. “Hassan Rouhani is a burnt card. Betting on him is like betting on a dead horse.”