Graphic Video
By Carlos Miller
The most striking, memorable and traumatizing moment emerging from the Iran protests so far was broadcast around the world in seconds despite the government’s attempt to quash the media.
It shows a young woman with a bloodied face seconds after she was shot by a sniper. A group of men gather around in an attempt to save her. But it is to no avail. She rolls her eyes and dies.
Now the video has become a rallying cry for Iranians protesting a disputed election. A symbol of global solidarity. A vivid reminder that freedom is never cheap.
They say her name was “Neda”, which means “voice” in Farsi. We may never know who filmed the video. Nor does it really matter.
In today’s digital world, there are no individual heroes like the Nick Ut’s and Eddie Adams’ and Joe Rosenthal’s of yesteryear.
The hero is us. We are the eyes and ears of the world. The watchdogs. Little Brother watching Big Brother.
Because of people like us, the truth will never be suppressed. Not here. Not there. Not anywhere.
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Fernandez, as I mentioned in a 
Great article Carlos. It’s true videos can be uploaded and downloaded so quickly that they can virally pass any blockage.
This would never have happened if Iran had a Second Amendment.
So here’s a question that’s been bothering me since the uprising started in Iran. What’s the difference between cleric-sanctioned arrest without actual cause for taking pictures and law enforcement arrest with actual cause?
I’ve been bothered by a lot of things folks are saying how what’s going on in Iran is so barbaric. No doubt, it is. But, ahem, folks…it’s going on here too. Tasers, brutality and our favorite ‘photography crimes.’ Does it simple come down to those in power don’t want to be recorded and will do anything — and I mean ANYTHING — to keep that power?
Jay,
You’re absolutely right. There is not much difference.
In this country, police shoot unarmed people on a regular basis, they arrest photographers way too often and they arrest people on bogus charges on a daily basis.
I just re-read my comment and looks like I typoed.
I meant:
What’s the difference between cleric-sanctioned arrest without actual cause for taking pictures and law enforcement arrest withOUT actual cause?
Carlos, I love the article, it is really well written. Just a little thing, it might not be a bad idea to put a content warning above the video, as many people watch the video before they read the article.
Personally that was the first person I’ve ever seen actually die. Really brings a new aspect to the whole thing.
Her name is symbolic of this isn’t it?
Scott,
The truth doesn’t need a content warning.
Besides, do you think anybody is actually going to NOT watch the video after reading a content warning?
Not anybody on this site.
I’m glad you liked the article!
It was just an idea.
Although, maybe some people being surprised by watching that would be a good thing. These are the types of things the world needs to be aware of.
Carlos,
You know where I said on these issues and I agree that truth doesn’t need a warning.
That being said, this horribly painfully true video of the end of Neda’s life — someone who actually died for standing up for what she believed in.
It really should have a warning or advisory how real and visceral it is. Remember, most of the site readers are American and mainstream media likes to play nanny and not let us see these things that upset us.
BTW, here’s a statement from Neda’s sister. She’s speaking in Farsi (?), but one of the commenters has translated.
The hell of that video is that the man in the blue striped shirt is Neda’s father.
Piss on Ahmedinijad …
carlos, i just had the police at my house because i was testing my E911 service through my VOIP provider. One of the cops was a hardass, the other was nice. they asked to come in to look around and i let them.
They went in my roommate’s room (which i should have guessed) and he has syringes for his rat’s medicine, and i got the 3rd degree about it.
Now, had i been sober tonight, i would have told them to fuck off, since i didn’t call them
Carlos: Besides, do you think anybody is actually going to NOT watch the video after reading a content warning?
I didn’t watch it nor will I. Ive watched people die and do not care to do it again.
A content warning is the right thing to do.
gene – i just had the police at my house because i was testing my E911 service
had i been sober tonight, i would have told them to fuck off, since i didn’t call them
Which was it, did you call them or didn’t you? I doubt they came to your door on their own and asked if you had an E911 service to test.
The police didn’t come to check on you, they came hoping to find something to charge you with.
Interesting take on the video from the journalism think tank: http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=101&aid=165524
jones: my message was cut short, for some reason.
That was supposed to say something like “i didn’t call them as a prank or anything, yet they treated me like i did.”
I also verified that my VOIP company specifically TELLS you to contact 911 to verify that they have your address when you move. Which is what i told both officers when they arrived, pounding on my door at 4 AM. over 2 hours after i called the local emergency number.
jones, for the record, i did tell the dispatcher when she first answered “this is not an emergency i am testing my 911 service at my new address can you verify the address you have listed for this number” I told her 2 other times that it wasn’t an emergency, as well.
Oh well.
Saw this over at NYCphotorights.com.
This happened last year in Britain.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/video/2009/jun/21/fit-watch-kingsnorth-arrests
How is this ANY different that what is going on in Iran right now? People in power exert their power simply because they can.
that is a terrible thing to happen. I hope the woman that was shot will be ok.
@Dave,
“It shows a young woman with a bloodied face seconds after she was shot by a sniper. A group of men gather around in an attempt to save her. But it is to no avail. She rolls her eyes and dies.“
I guess the amazing part of this is that we assume that this cannot happen here. In fact, we have many elections that have been rigged. Where is the outrage?
These people enter the streets knowing the danger. We can’t even get people to the streets in a society that (supposedly) allow these types of protests.
What happened to the land of the free and home of the brave? I guess it moved on.
We were planing this sort of quick new media event thanks for the inspiration for the name of the event.
Progressive Sundays- a weaving of the story.
Iran- Where’s my Vote!
The Revolution will not be televised it will be on youtube.
Progressive Sundays @ Transit Lounge http://www.transitlounge.us
729 SW 1st Ave Miami, FL
June 28th
$5- suggested donation
8:00 PM
Chill, Chat and Connect ( Drink Specials!)
8:30PM
Presents the films: Iran- Where’s my Vote!
The Revolution will not be televised it will be on youtube.
Come watch a series of up to date clips weaving a story about the march for Democracy in Iran!
Post: Film conversation!
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=118819834446
Thanks for using the name, Brad.
I’m going to try and show up there this Sunday. There is always a lot going on at the Transit Lounge on Sunday, I keep seeing.