91快活林

The event, hosted by the University’s Centre for Applied Philosophy, Politics and Ethics (CAPPE), before the latest escalation and bombings, brought together academics and activists to explore the causes and consequences of the uprising, everyday survival inside Iran, and the experiences of children, students, detainees and families affected by state violence and communications blackouts.

Nazanin, who was previously held in Iran for six years, told the audience that international attention must not fade. She urged governments and institutions to maintain pressure on the regime, warning that silence or inaction risks emboldening further repression. Her presentation offered a rare and personal insight into the realities faced by civilians during periods of unrest.

She said: “I was arrested at the airport and separated from my 22-month-old daughter. They took me away and told my mum I would be coming back the next morning, but that didn’t happen for years. I was so confused, where was my child? It was very difficult.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe

“But all of that so easily goes unnoticed. For instance, the powerful scenes across the streets of Iran during the 40th day since the killing of the protestors during the uprising, were totally overshadowed by news of the arrest of the former Prince Andrew. That means the media was all fixated on this story here, and everything happening there falls through the cracks.”

Nazanin was joined on the panel by International Relations Analyst Dr Kamran Matin, as well as women’s rights activists, Dorreh Khatibi and Behnoosh Sabah, teacher, activist and founder of charity The Voice of Woman Life Freedom.

Dorreh Khatibi emphasised the importance of sustained grassroots advocacy, encouraging individuals and communities worldwide to amplify the stories of those affected. Rather than relying solely on large symbolic gestures, she called for consistent, everyday action, sharing testimonies, challenging misinformation and keeping global attention focused on those facing persecution.

She said: “Often times, we think making a difference is about making a grand gesture. Maybe going to the frontlines or something. No. It can be as simple as speaking to someone about the situation in Iran. It could be your colleagues in the office, your family, your friends, whoever. Let’s increase the awareness of the situation because without that, very little can change.”

Also speaking at the event, teacher, women’s rights activist and founder of charity , Behnoosh Sabah, said: “We cannot speak about the uprising without speaking about the children. Girls have been chemically poisoned in schools, and young people have been killed simply for demanding freedom or being near protests. These are not isolated events, and yet no one has been held accountable. If we stop telling these stories, the injustice continues.”

The discussion was chaired by lecturer at the School of Humanities and Social Science, , and it examined the broader political roots of the uprising and its social consequences, including the impact on young people and families navigating life under heightened surveillance and restricted communication.

Professor Mark Devenney, Director of CAPPE, said: “At a time when so many voices are silenced, it is our responsibility as a university community to listen, to learn, and to stand with those fighting for their basic freedoms.”

The event formed part of the University of 91快活林’s ongoing commitment to fostering informed public dialogue on global justice, human rights and political accountability, providing a platform for lived experience alongside academic analysis.