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As Iran's supreme leader ruled out reopening the country's disputed presidential election, local Iranian Americans rallied Friday in front of Charlotte's Government Center to protest.
About 75 people of all ages held signs, waving Iranian flags and chanting for freedom in their home country following the controversial election of incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad over popular challenger Mir Hossein Mousavi.
“Everybody who's here decided to come in unity with the protesters in Iran,” said Shahram Mazhari, who came to the United States 30 years ago. He held a “Long Live Democracy, Down with Theocracy” sign.
“It's important non-Iranian Americans know that it's not about Mr. Moussavi or Mr. Ahmadinejad,” he said. “It's about the will of the people and the right of the people that the Supreme Leader of Iran has completely disregarded by reinstalling Mr. Ahmadinejad.”
Kamand Fadaee, who will soon turn 13, came to Charlotte from Iran when she was 3 years old. She said she's concerned for the safety of family members in Iran, particularly for her uncle, who has been an active protester.
“I know Iran isn't the most loved country in the world, but we just want to show that we really do deserve freedom and want to prove that point here,” she said.
Fadaee said she thought the election was unfair.
“It's plain wrong,” she said.
