“Neda” Was Buried Today, Her Memorial Cancelled by “Authorities”

Posted on June 21, 2009 by bostonboomer
Neda Agha Soltan, 1982-2009

Neda Agha Soltan, 1982-2009

Via Hot Air, it appears that “Neda,” the young woman who was shot at a rally and has become a symbol of the Iranian protests, has been identified. Her name was Neda Agha Soltan. She was not 16 years old after all, but 27. She reportedly was a philosophy student who attended the rally at which she was shot with a professor, not her father. Reportedly, she was shot by a Basiji passing on a motorcycle.

According to ABC news Middle East reporter Lara Setrakian, Neda’s memorial service, which was to have been held tomorrow, has been cancelled on orders from the government. She was buried today in Behesht Zahra cemetary.

Here is the wiki page that has been created for her and a memorial page that someone built in her honor. Huffpo has this information on their liveblog:

6:55 PM ET — A bit more on Neda. A blogger apparently in touch with Neda’s family members offers some new details (translated by reader Nima): she was born in 1982, apparently her full name was Neda Agha-Soltan, and she was at the protest with one her professors and several other students. She was, they said, shot by a basiji riding by on a motorcycle. Also, she was apparently buried today at a large cemetery in the south of Tehran. ABC News’ Lara Setrakian writes, “Hearing reports Neda was buried in Behesht Zahra cemetery earlier today, memorial service cancelled on orders from authorities.”

Huffpo also posted this video from “a reader”:

2:23 PM ET — Neda before she was shot. A reader forwards this video showing Neda (in the black shirt and blue jeans) and a companion (blue striped shirt) during the rally. Another reader sends an unconfirmed report of a memorial service for Neda planned for tomorrow at 5PM at Niloufar mosque at Abas Abad, Tehran.

And here is the video of Neda after being shot. Warning: It’s disturbing. Most people have probably seen it already though.

May she rest in peace, and may her death not be in vain.

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90 Responses

  1. myiq2xu, on June 21st, 2009 at 10:35 pm Said:

    For reasons that don’t always make any sense, one death sometimes means far more than many others just like it.

  2. bostonboomer, on June 21st, 2009 at 10:43 pm Said:

    Unbelieveable footage of Basiji on motorcycles terrorizing a crowd. Thanks to Andrew Sullivan.

    • boogieman7167, on June 21st, 2009 at 10:49 pm Said:

      i dont know boston 2ward the end of that clip . it look like the people in the streets where forming to rush they guys on motorcycles

      • Dee, on June 21st, 2009 at 11:28 pm Said:

        I have been hearing all day that the government has not authorized the use of force against the demonstrators. Therefore it seems the basij milita is just a bunch of thugs with weapons that are acting with out authority.

        No matter which side I was on the presence of paramilitary thugs who no one has control over is likely alarming to the citizens and the mullahs.

        On another note – remember that during the campaign Obama talked about wanting to develop a citizens militia to give relief to the military and law enforcement He characterized it as citizen soldiers. I assume it would be made up of his loyal supporters. I suppose Obama is watching this suppression in the streets and the communication systems with some envy.

        • bostonboomer, on June 21st, 2009 at 11:34 pm Said:

          The Basiji are utterly loyal to Khamenei and Ahmadinejad. The wouldn’t be doing this without authorization. You’re right that Obama’s civilian security force could lead to the same thing–like the Browshirts in Nazi Germany.

          • Dee, on June 22nd, 2009 at 12:00 am Said:

            The militia seems completely undisciplined – they don’t even have uniforms.

            A martyr is the last thing Khamenei would want. He was involved in the student rebellion and would realize the importance of such an event to the movement.

          • bostonboomer, on June 22nd, 2009 at 12:02 am Said:

            They are a plainclothes milita. There is a really interesting article about them in the New Yorker.

  3. Regency, on June 22nd, 2009 at 12:03 am Said:

    I had not seen the video of Neda after her death. That was horrifying and I hope to never see it again. I’m sorry but it is far from enough to just say that this is wrong. Put your intent where your morality is. Do something.

  4. Woman Voter, on June 22nd, 2009 at 12:10 am Said:

    for a protest all women in Iran should remove their hejab #iranelection

    CNN, finally reporting that women are an active part of this struggle for Freedom in Iran. The women are still actively protesting and making their voices heard, putting their lives at risk and fully supporting their male compatriots in the struggle to be free.

    Brava! Go Women Go!

  5. RalphB, on June 22nd, 2009 at 12:27 am Said:

    From memroeandum, Iran’s Guardian Council admits over 100% voted in over 50 cities. Good turnout.

    Neda’s death will not be in vain. No matter how it turns out this time, Iran follows the Shia 40 days tradition. In 40 days, people will gather to celebrate Neda again. The mullahs can look forward to all hell breaking loose when they do.

    She is a martyr to freedom and martyrs matter in Iran.

    • Woman Voter, on June 22nd, 2009 at 12:50 am Said:

      Thank Donna.

      • donnadarko, on June 22nd, 2009 at 12:54 am Said:

        We were celebrating Father’s Day AT OLIVE GARDEN LOL but I thought of Neda and teared up.

        • Woman Voter, on June 22nd, 2009 at 1:01 am Said:

          Hopefully if enough people around the world write letters of concern (and outrage), they will make a difference so others won’t die, as things are only getting worse and not better. We have to make some noise for the people of Iran that are seeking their Freedom.

          • bostonboomer, on June 22nd, 2009 at 6:54 am Said:

            Thanks for all the information. Amnesty International is wonderful. I will write a letter of outrage.

  7. RalphB, on June 22nd, 2009 at 12:57 am Said:

    Senator John McCain said today that the United States needs to be on the “right side of history” in responding to the disputed Iranian elections and ensuing protests.
    …
    “America’s position in the world is one of moral leadership,” the senator said. “It’s not about what takes place in the streets of Iran. It is about what takes place in America’s conscience.”

    http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/06/21/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5101183.shtml?tag=contentBody;featuredPost-PE

    The old warhorse has a point.

    • cwaltz, on June 22nd, 2009 at 1:02 am Said:

      I’m not sure his definition of the “right side of history” is the same as mine. Particularly when you look at our history of intereference in foreign affairs during his tenure as a Senator.

      • RalphB, on June 22nd, 2009 at 1:06 am Said:

        I think it’s safe to day it’s being on the side of those who are struggling for their freedom, which he makez explicit in the linked story. But we all have our own consciences.

        • cwaltz, on June 22nd, 2009 at 2:20 am Said:

          I’m not as sure John McCain isn’t just interested in the “freedom” of these folks because it is in our best interest to have someone other than Ahmadinnerjacket. I certainly don’t remember him railing passionately about the freedom of Iraqis to choose when they majority of the country supported having US soldiers leave Iraq.

          As I’ve said, I’m a cynic. The politicians in DC from both sides of the aisle have made me this way.

          • RalphB, on June 22nd, 2009 at 10:17 am Said:

            I remember McCain’s response to that vote. It was that if the Iraqi people don’t want us there, we should leave.

            I’m also a cynic but he’s been making these same kind of statements for many years and hasn’t changed one bit.

  8. Rose, on June 22nd, 2009 at 1:12 am Said:

    She will change the course of history. She may bring peace.

    May God, whatever you conceive him to be, welcome her with open arms.

  9. Regency, on June 22nd, 2009 at 1:39 am Said:

    Iranian Prime Minister on CNN. Making excuses. By all means, watch.

  10. Puma-SF, on June 22nd, 2009 at 2:11 am Said:

    Looks like 457 people have been arrested. Stay with it, Boom.

    http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090622/wl_afp/iranpoliticsunrest

  11. Regency, on June 22nd, 2009 at 2:17 am Said:

    I could not be more grateful for CNN turning things over to CNN International. They seem far more equipped to handle this sort of coverage than the in-country version.

    Did you hear what’s happened in the Caucasus region? The President was just seriously injured by a car bomb going off along driving route he was on. Apparently, that makes the 3rd official in, if I recall correctly, in a month.

  12. Regency, on June 22nd, 2009 at 3:00 am Said:

    And no, Iran, your election does not equal Bush/Gore or Bush/Kerry. Those were jokes too, but not to that degree.

    • cwaltz, on June 22nd, 2009 at 3:08 am Said:

      No one has been mowed down in the streets protesting here. Sure, they have spied on protesters and arrested protesters but it has not ended in bloodshed. We protest and they ignore us. It’s the American way.

      • Benjamin, on June 22nd, 2009 at 3:20 am Said:

        Some of us boomers remember Kent State, the 1968 Chicago convention – but yeah, it has been a while since we experienced something as divisive and emotional as the Viet Nam War.

        • Seriously, on June 22nd, 2009 at 3:24 am Said:

          It seems like most deaths from cops at public events these days are at sports rallies, which I suppose indicates how feeble protests are these days.

          • Benjamin, on June 22nd, 2009 at 3:35 am Said:

            Yeah, back then Gov. Ronald Reagan was famous for calling up the National Guard to suppress students protesting at Berkeley. My, how times change.

          • Seriously, on June 22nd, 2009 at 3:53 am Said:

            I live near several colleges and mostly when the cops get called it’s TAs or RAs trying to form unions. There’s not a lot of protesting going on on campus.

        • chatblu, on June 22nd, 2009 at 6:37 am Said:

          I remember vividly. There were only a few deaths by gunshot wound, but beatings were not unheard of during demonstrations.

    • EricaLeigh, on June 22nd, 2009 at 2:12 pm Said:

      I didn’t see his speech, but I think our elections are beyond shameful. We’ve had three rigged/stolen elections in the United States, even one that involved the supreme court. That’s huge.

      To me, the big distinction between Iran and the USA is not the level of fraud, it’s that the Iranian people are willing to get out on the street, day after day, putting their lives on the line. They are remarkable; we, in comparison, are complacent.

      In America, the leaders tell us to put it behind us and move on, and we obligingly return to our jobs/tvs/pcs/famililes/whatever and do just that.

      We have forgotten that this country was founded by revolutionaries who, like the people of Iran, were willing to risk it all.

  13. Fredster, on June 22nd, 2009 at 3:14 am Said:

    Off topic but I saw over at Corrente they had a post about the NOW election.

    Valhalla (and commenters) covered some of the things we discussed here Saturday nite/early Sun. morning.

    http://www.correntewire.com/wave_change_now

    • Seriously, on June 22nd, 2009 at 3:18 am Said:

      The Feminists Against Women, as Violet calls them, Obots, are having meltdowns and threatening to form their own ‘progressive’ group. LOL

  14. boogieman7167, on June 22nd, 2009 at 5:41 am Said:

    TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) — Iran’s election authority has rejected claims of voting irregularities by a defeated presidential candidate, while acknowledging that the number of ballots cast in dozens of cities exceeded the number of eligible voters there, state-run TV reported Monday.

    hmmm lets see 1st they had no voting irregularities……. them they also say number of ballots cast in dozens of cities exceeded the the number of eligible voters answer ACORN

    • bostonboomer, on June 22nd, 2009 at 6:47 am Said:

      That happened in Ohio in 2004. Bush got hundreds more votes in some places than there were registered voters. And what happened? Kerry conceded immediately and that was that.

      • chatblu, on June 22nd, 2009 at 7:15 am Said:

        Not to mention that some caucuses in 2008 had more voters than than the population of the area. We are no stranger to election fraud., Makes it harder to hold the moral high ground.

  16. chatblu, on June 22nd, 2009 at 6:40 am Said:

    On “Meet the Press”. Chuck Todd stated that the WShite House is frustrated that BHO isn;t getting the credit for these demonstrations.

  17. chatblu, on June 22nd, 2009 at 6:51 am Said:

    The Cairo speech.

  18. looking for integrity, on June 22nd, 2009 at 7:51 am Said:

    Between 1989 and 1991 Lithuania held peaceful demonttrations as did the rest of the Baltics. The world watched.

    It was not until 1991 when the Soviets ran tanks into peaceful demonstrators defending the parliament building and TV tower and killed dozens of innocent people including young students that world governments began putting pressure on the Soviets. It was the young faces of these single identified young victims that turned the international tide. People in various countries put pressure on their governments to do something.

    Hopefully this will happen in Iran. A country cannot afford to completely lose face and be isolated from the world no matter what its regime. It can also hold down the lid of internal protest for so long through an iron fist. Unless some consessions and changes are made it will erupt continuosly.

  19. edgeoforever, on June 22nd, 2009 at 8:03 am Said:

    Of course Obama should be given credit! he is the father of this country, nay – of all countries
    http://edgeoforever.wordpress.com/2009/06/22/whos-your-daddy/

  20. soupcity, on June 22nd, 2009 at 9:13 am Said:

    Thanks for the continuing coverage BB. You are doing a wonderful job.

    I saw the video the other day, just clicked from twitter without realizing what it really contained. I will never forget her face as long as I live.

    They are dead wrong in not allowing her memorial, she has become the face of this whole struggle.

  21. fif, on June 22nd, 2009 at 10:35 am Said:

    What a beautiful face…RIP.

  22. fif, on June 22nd, 2009 at 11:29 am Said:

    Interesting article about the complicated history of Iran & O’s approach:

    Obama’s Persian Tutorial

    http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124563005022735881.html

    • Woman Voter, on June 22nd, 2009 at 12:48 pm Said:

      Obama’s Persian Tutorial

      Mr. Obama’s June 4 speech in Cairo did not reshape the Islamic landscape. I was in Saudi Arabia when Mr. Obama traveled to Riyadh and Cairo. The earth did not move, life went on as usual. -Professor Mr. Ajami

      I agree with him here.

  23. lauren, on June 22nd, 2009 at 12:17 pm Said:

    Is Our CIA Wagging The Iranian Dog?

    Will the sentimentalized media spin and U.S. black ops manipulation of the present situation in Iran foreshadow a dangerous next stage of the “war on terror” in which Iran will be subject to further destabilization and shock and awe by the U.S. war machine?

    http://oxdown.firedoglake.com/diary/5890

    • Woman Voter, on June 22nd, 2009 at 12:37 pm Said:

      I haven’t seen any sign of Colin Powell, this is a struggle of the Iranian people that are tired of living under an oppressive government.

      I am very concerned that this Freedom Movement has women struggling in it and there are people thinking someone is wagging them (that makes me mad…women do and can participate in the struggle for their Freedom). I question is they (secret forces), want the continuation of the oppression of women and the people to continue.

      Women are the Heart/Vision of the Iranian Struggle for Freedom. When the most oppressed (WOMEN) are willing to risk their lives and pay the ultimate prize, that brings about inspiration to all.

  24. Woman Voter, on June 22nd, 2009 at 12:18 pm Said:

    BBC feed:This is what revolution looks like: http://tinyurl.com/nualw6 (amazing footage)

    Wow, the people are committed to gaining their FREEDOM and are running forward not backwards. What courage!

    • Woman Voter, on June 22nd, 2009 at 12:23 pm Said:

      Wow, I just watched that again and it is truly amazing. Brava and Bravo to the people of Iran for standing up and speaking up for Their Rights and Freedom.

  26. mablue2, on June 22nd, 2009 at 2:22 pm Said:

    Peter Daou is kicking ass and naming names:

    Neda’s Martyrdom and the Pitfalls of Obama’s Chronic Pragmatism

    • Woman Voter, on June 22nd, 2009 at 2:56 pm Said:

      One lesson I learned is that seeing human savagery and suffering up close, we understand that our distance from other people’s pain is an illusion – when one person suffers, we all do.

      Mablue2,

      The above is spot on. I was going to write to you, and then didn’t. See, someone in my family was severely and savagely killed. Throughout the years, I got some information and then when in my late thirties, my cousin (his child) told me the truth. You, know, in a way, I wish there was a photo. I realized when she told me how even though I was a newborn (my mother nearly had a nervous break down) at the time, how the death, affected my life and shaped who I became.

      I am glad you decided to come back…

  27. Woman Voter, on June 22nd, 2009 at 2:39 pm Said:

    Sarkozy throws weight behind move to ban burqa, saying ‘it’s a sign of subservience’‘
    http://tiny.cc/fNY2X

    Obama’s quote on women and the Hijab:

    What Good Is An Education If You Can’t Drive, Vote or See?

    And what’s all this about head scarves? “I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal,” Obama said. Talk about a straw man. Isn’t the real wardrobe issue for many Muslim women that they must cover, smother and nearly blind themselves in burqas, whether that’s their choice or not? http://www.politicsdaily.com/2009/06/04/what-good-is-an-education-if-you-cant-drive-vote-or-see/

  28. Woman Voter, on June 22nd, 2009 at 3:24 pm Said:

    Injured young students die in Iran by BASIJIS
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npdISZUtdmU&eurl

    Iranian Violence escalates, young ppl being shot-This must STOP! Horrific scenes http://tiny.cc/yvbCk

  29. Woman Voter, on June 22nd, 2009 at 4:02 pm Said:

    Appeal to the UN on the Situation in Iran

    http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/omidadvocatescom/
    H.E. Mr. Martin Ihoeghian Uhomoibhi
    President of the United Nations Human Rights Council

    cc: Members of the Human Rights Council

    Sub: Appeal for a Special Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Human Rights Situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran

    Your Excellency,

    Omid Advocates for Human Rights and the undersigned groups and individuals call upon the UN Human Rights Council to hold a Special Session on the current human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

    We welcome the statement by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urging Iran’s leaders to reflect and respect in a “most transparent and fair and objective manner” the will of the Iranian people in the recent election. We also appreciate the Secretary-General’s expression of concern for the current situation in Iran.

    Following Secretary-General’s statement, we appeal to Council members to address the ongoing human rights violations against Iranians concerning their right to life and freedom of expression and assembly. We urge Council members to examine closely the violent crackdown on peaceful demonstrations throughout Iran. We also urge Council members to protect the rights of individuals and groups in Iran to peacefully exercise their rights to freedom of expression, association, and assembly, including participation in activities, which dissent from state policies and practices. Finally, we urge you to call for the immediate release of all those currently detained for the peaceful exercise of their rights and for the protection of any detainee from torture or other ill-treatment.

    Widespread and reliable information regarding ongoing human rights violations, including at least 8 deaths and numerous arrests against those demanding freedom of expression and the right to a fair election, makes it imperative that the Human Rights Council as the principal human rights organ of the United Nations take urgent measures by convening a special session to address the current situation in Iran.

    We urge the Council to immediately call upon the Iranian authorities to receive a joint mission of Special Procedures mandate-holders on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary execution and other relevant mandates such as the Special Rapporteur on Torture, the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression and the Special Representative of Secretary-General on Human Rights Defenders.

    We remain at your disposal for any further information or consultation on this urgent matter.

    Thank you very much for attention to this appeal.

    Yours sincerely,

  30. Woman Voter, on June 22nd, 2009 at 5:44 pm Said:

    Iran: Women Speak Out
    http://www.life.com/image/first/in-gallery/28302/iran-women-speak-out
    Photos of women in their fight for their rights and for Freedom.

    “I am here to say that men and women are equal”-Zahra Rahnavard

  31. Woman Voter, on June 22nd, 2009 at 5:48 pm Said:

    Women at the Heart of Iran Election Protests

  32. Woman Voter, on June 22nd, 2009 at 6:11 pm Said:

    YouTube sets up Citizen Tube to help with latest information from Iran and other places.
    http://www.citizentube.com/

    Yea! Keep the information flowing. Free Speech, is a Universal Truth!

  33. donnadarko, on June 22nd, 2009 at 7:30 pm Said:

    Family, friends mourn Iranian woman whose death was caught on video

    http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iran-neda23-2009jun23,0,366975,full.story

    “I told her, ‘Neda, don’t go,’ ” she recalled, heaving with sobs.

    But she was as stubborn as she was honest, Golshad said, and she ended up going anyway.

    “She said, ‘Don’t worry. It’s just one bullet and its over.’ ”

    “She couldn’t stand the injustice of it all,” Panahi said. “All she wanted was the proper vote of the people to be counted.”

    Neda, he said, was smart and loving. She had a mischievous streak, gentling teasing her friends and causing them to laugh. She was passionate about life and meant no one any harm, they said. In the election unrest, friends found in her an unexpected daring, a willingness to take risks for her beliefs.

    “For pursuing her goals, she didn’t use rocks or clubs,” said Panahi. “She wanted to show with her presence that, ‘I’m here. I also voted. And my vote wasn’t counted.’ It was a very peaceful act of protest, without any violence.”

    As to the person or persons responsible for her death, they will not be forgiven, he said. “When they kill an innocent child, this is not justice. This is not religion. In no way is this acceptable,” he said. “And I’m certain that the one who shot her will not get a pass from God.”

  34. Top Posts « WordPress.com, on June 22nd, 2009 at 8:53 pm Said:

    [...] “Neda” Was Buried Today, Her Memorial Cancelled by “Authorities” Via Hot Air, it appears that “Neda,” the young woman who was shot at a rally and has become a symbol of the [...] [...]

  35. Woman Voter, on June 23rd, 2009 at 12:36 am Said:

    End Iran violence, UN chief urges
    http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8114085.stm

    United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has called for an immediate end to arrests and the threat and use of violence by authorities in Iran.

  36. Henry, on June 23rd, 2009 at 1:53 am Said:

    The people want to be free from a brutal government. This is the story of history, as it has always played out.

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