In Iran, you can be beaten, imprisoned or killed for something as simple as showing your hair, loving the wrong person or saying out loud that you’re tired. That’s not a cultural difference. It’s a regime problem.</p
The Iranian clerical regime is among the most brutal in the world. They systematically oppress women, persecute homosexuals, imprison journalists and shoot protesters in the streets. Yet Iran is often treated as a difficult but legitimate country in international politics. This is undignified.
When Mahsa Amini died after being arrested by the morality police, protests exploded. Not because this was an isolated incident, but because it was the last straw. Young girls took off their hijabs in protest, knowing they were risking everything. Many paid with their freedom. Some with their lives.
This is courage. Real courage. And it commits us.</p
Too often in the West, we talk about human rights as fine words in speeches. But when it actually costs something to stand up for them, we suddenly become cautious. Norway likes to think of itself as a champion of freedom. So we must also dare to speak out against regimes like Iran, even when it is politically uncomfortable.
Freedom is not Western. It is universal.
As a liberal youth politician, I believe it is our responsibility to speak out: No state has the right to control the bodies, minds or lives of its citizens. The state should serve the individual, not destroy it.
Norway should use its voice more clearly internationally, actively support Iranian human rights defenders and stop pretending that dialogue alone is enough when a regime shoots its own population.
This is not about religion. It’s about power. And about the fear of free people.
The young people of Iran are fighting right now for the same values we take for granted: freedom, dignity and the right to live their own lives. The least we can do is stand clearly on their side.
Being silent is also a choice. And in the face of oppression, it’s always the wrong choice.
Nadia Noor Louhibi is First Deputy Chair of Oslo East branch, Progress Party’s Youth (Norway)