Lately internet has been flooded with pictures and videos that depict Iranian women lighting cigarettes with the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s photo. This act reportedly holds deep symbolism as the unrest in Iran among women seems to be increasing more than ever. Netizens’ feeds have been dominated by news related to the same topic. This form of rebellion is being widely discussed online. Read on to know more about it!
Iranian Women Light Cigarettes With Supreme Leader Khamenei’s Photo
Many pictures and videos that show women in Iran lighting cigarettes with a burning photo of the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have taken over the internet. People are not longer seeing it as a mere act but women openly challenging the religious and political authority of the country. Netizens are reportedly saying that this act symbolises defiance and it is becoming extremely hard for the authorities to contain, even as Iran tightens its grip on the resistance.
Also Read: Why Does Composer Ricky Kej Think Priyanka Chopra Isn’t Celebrated Enough In India? Know Here
Why Is This Serious?
In Iran, burning images of the Supreme Leader is reportedly seen as a huge offence under the law. But in this case, the women are not just burning Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s photo but also lighting cigarettes and smoking as well, which is restricted for them. This act is being viewed as women deliberately trying to break free from social norms and rejecting state power that includes the restriction of women’s freedom and the enforcement of the hijab.
For the unversed, the said viral act has emerged during a time when the country is facing economic pressures, added with rising inflation and weakening currency. These things have reportedly led to people protesting across the country. Even now, multiple moments of the act discussed in this article have been making rounds on multiple social media platforms.
Also Read: Jennifer Garner Shares Difficulties She Faced After Divorcing Ben Affleck