Austrian comedian Aida Loos caused a stir on Wednesday with a solidarity campaign. She cut her hair during an interview on live TV. With the action she wanted to draw attention to the protests in Iran that have been going on for weeks and are often violently suppressed by the government.
With the words: “This is for my sisters in Iran”, Loos did the scissors during her interview with Puls 24 and strictly cut off a good head of hair. In doing so, she was an example for the women in Iran who are waging the ‘courageous fight’ against repression in the Islamic country: ‘I hope they will not be defeated’.
Action with international role models
Loos, who announced her future short haircut in advance via the short message service Twitter, followed up similar campaigns that were already making headlines internationally. For example, countless Iranian women cut their hair at the funerals of women who have died in protests – according to the motto: Better no hair than having to cover it. Numerous actresses and celebrities who also cut locks of hair followed suit.
More than 200 dead in protests
The protests in Iran have been directed against the strict Islamic government for weeks – they were caused by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died as a result of abuse by the local vice squad. Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, speaks of a conspiracy by foreign enemies: “The role and interference of the enemies (Iran) in the unrest has also become clear to neutral observers abroad.”
At least 201 people, including 23 children, have been killed in the protests, according to human rights groups.
EU tightens sanctions against Iran
The EU countries have therefore agreed on new sanctions against Iran in response to Wednesday’s acts of violence. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had previously said it was “time” to impose sanctions on those responsible for “the oppression of women” in Iran. Compatriot and foreign minister Annalena Baerbock admired the struggle of “brave women” for their freedom.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
