"The flag is the Lion and Sun flag: our last known flag before the Islamic regime took over in 1979 and invented the new flag. It is our national flag. The current regime does not represent us, and therefore their flag does not represent us. It doesn't represent Iran."
"Their silence is understandable given the very real and imminent threats reportedly faced by players and staff who speak out against the regime. And so, in the vacuum of their silence, it has been the Iranian diaspora—the fans—who are speaking out."
"Ahead of Thursday's second group-stage match against the Matildas, a demonstration is being organised outside of Gold Coast Stadium by Iranians wanting to draw attention to the oppressive nature of the regime, not just back in their home but also here in Australia."
Iranian fans at the World Cup in Australia are displaying the Lion and Sun flag, a pre-1979 Islamic Revolution symbol, to protest the current regime. The flag represents their vision of Iran before the Islamic government took power. Iran's national team players have maintained silence during the tournament, refusing to sing the anthem and avoiding media interviews due to threats from the regime against those who speak out. In response to player silence, the Iranian diaspora community is organizing demonstrations outside stadiums to draw attention to government oppression both in Iran and affecting Iranians in Australia. These coordinated actions represent a form of political resistance using the World Cup as a visible platform.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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