The Oppression Nobel Prize Of the Month Goes To: Iran

Alfred Nobel should have considered creating an “Oppression Prize." Since the Peace Prize is already mainstream, what about its antonym? We have seen governments around the world claim that demonstrations must be contained as violently as thugs, labeling protesters as terrorist groups. It seems that any voice daring to go out into the cold winter to yell against injustice must be silenced.

This is not exclusive to authoritarian and totalitarian regimes (out of contest for obvious reasons). We see it in democratic countries, such as the US and Western European nations. Look at the Gendarmerie in France or the EU’s capital, Brussels, where police seem to have a field day with protesters. However, it also happens in monarchies and theocracies (where the word of God is placed above human power).

The Islamic Republic of Iran, baptized as such after the end of the Shah’s Monarchy and the beginning of “God’s Monarchy", is currently facing massive demonstrations against its ruling theology. Thus, the Oppression Prize for this month goes to the Ayatollah (we propose a monthly prize subscription for governments and kings; they’ll love it!). He did what any ruler does when the people start to question their legitimacy: it starts by blaming “minorities," but spreads to the entire population due to compassion, a word every ruler hates.

The “big bang" occurred in Tehran and Mashhad (a holy city), and the domino effect impacted the whole country late 2025 till nowadays. Tension increased with the Kurds. Why? We’ve seen this many times in recent years. People are asking for a better life: basic needs fulfilled despite international and US sanctions causing hyperinflation; more social freedom (specifically regarding the Revolutionary Guard telling women what to wear); and better education and employment. In other words, a normal life without oppression.

The Shah’s son, Reza Pahlavi, is claiming he will return to the country as monarch. People chant on the streets “Javid Shah!" (Long live the Shah). Of course, the Ayatollah takes this as a provocation, hence the internet blockades and police repression. Nevertheless, it seems that Iranians haven’t got the memo yet (not the Kurds who have been fighting for independence). Replacing one monarch for another, even the old one, is likely to lead to the same path: the known. 

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