Untitled - Mazzea

IN THE FALL OF 2022 Azadeh Afsahi, watched in horror as citizen images, footage and first-hand accounts by protestors began to fill her phone and social
media feeds.

As a child of Iran, whose family fled the Islamic Republic formed government of the 1979 Revolution, she knows the horrors the regime is capable of. She also knew - even with today's digital capabilities - the extent of the brutality would likely never be known to the outside world. Perhaps most significantly, as a trained therapist, she knew the trauma and devastating mental health effects the IRGC would begin inflicting on its citizens and how that trauma would damage generations of Iranians. Incapable of indifference, Afsahi became a vocal online advocate and organizer speaking on behalf of Iranian freedom, social justice, equality, and political activism.

She hoped it made a difference. She hoped her voice reached beyond her community. She hoped, at the very least, she was raising awareness for Iranians if she couldn't do anything to stop the abuse or help victims. There was so much she wanted to do, but she felt powerless within the system, incapable of making an impact on the lives of those who were suffering. . . then she started receiving direct messages from survivors asking for help. Digital media had suddenly brought Afsahi exactly where she wanted to be; directly accessible to Iranians who have suffered abuse by the state. Mobile technology (though not without its limitations) has enabled Afsahi to become a trusted lifeline to those in need of mental health support.