Today the City Daily Photo bloggers have arranged a "sub theme day" to support the owner of a daily photo blog from Tehran called Tehran24, who has been reported missing since June 17, 2009. The images captured on Tehran24 highlight symbols of protest, made famous by the shocking images of Neda Agha-Soltan's death.
This reminded me of a famous symbol of protest from my own city. Back in 1963 a Buddhist monk named Thich Quang Duc sat down crosslegged in the middle of a busy street in Saigon, his robes soaked in fuel, and set fire to himself; his body was quickly engulfed in flames. The haunting and horrifying protest against the persecution of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese regime got results: as more monks began to emulate Thich Quang Duc's example, President Ngo Dinh Diem fell from favor. In November 1963 he was removed from power by a coup d'etat and executed.
We are all concerned about the situation of Tehran24 and hope to hear positive news soon Click here to view thumbnails for all participants
14 comments:
That is one of the most powerful images ever captured. I hope that by adding our voices we can raise awareness and let people know they are not forgotten by the rest of the world.
That photo is the most powerful image I have ever seen. It still sends shivers down my spine when I look at it. I seriously hope Tehran24 is OK
Thank-you Simon.
I discovered this theme day all too late. We are often ill informed or not informed all and we too often use that as an excuse to sit back and do nought.
Sunshine Coast Daily Photo - Australia
the ultimate protest in sacrifice
Individuals through the ages have made the ultimate sacrifice in the face of repression. This is a potent example of just one sacrifice. Let us hope that events in Iran are resolved equitably before anyone needs to go this far.
I am so glad you posted on this special Theme Day. We want our blogger back. The world is watching.
a powerful photo and statement for today. Let's hope that our fellow city daily photo blogger is released soon.
A frightening and powerful image to support todays theme.
This is one of the most powerful protest images I have ever seen. Well done for such an emotive post. So many of have joined this theme today but this image will last with me.
i am always amazed at the terrible lengths some people feel forced to go to. Unbelievable
Two powerful images along with heartfelt words, Simon. Let's hope our Blogger will be released soon and that a vote in Iran means a vote.
Very powerful association! The monk's photo is really impressive!
you're so true .. everybody is concerned.
I remember this photo and this protest all too well. I was just a kid; what an impression it made on me, and still does.
Must history repeat itself? Let no more sacrifices be necessary. Let freedom ring.
Thank you for your post.
I would add, to bitingmidge and to others, that just because today is a theme day doesn't mean we can't keep talking about this. Awareness tends to wane when the news media gets interested in something else. The world is watching now. Let's keep it on its toes.
Simon, your post is amazing. I am glad you made this connection. Every movement of people for their rights and freedoms has involved a great deal of self sacrifice and, sadly, the unjust deaths of many. Weather non-violent struggles or violent revolutions. We rejoice with the news that Amir has been released, but wait with unease to see how events in Iran will unfold for her people. Thank you for this post.
-Kim
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