Manchester was among several major UK cities where members of the Iranian Academic Association and supporters gathered to hold a street exhibition commemorating the 40th day since the deaths of protesters during Iran’s ongoing uprising. The event formed part of a coordinated series of public displays across the United Kingdom, organized to honor those who lost their lives and to express solidarity with the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom, justice, and democratic rights.
The Manchester exhibition featured photographs of victims, symbolic artwork, and informational displays documenting recent events in Iran. Organizers and participants stood alongside the exhibits, engaging passersby in conversation about the protests and the broader political situation. Many attendees carried placards calling for human rights, accountability, and international support for the Iranian people.
The 40-day commemoration, known as “chehelom” in Persian tradition, holds deep cultural and symbolic importance. It marks a period of mourning and remembrance for those who have died, while also serving as a moment for communities to renew calls for justice. Organizers said the exhibition was intended not only to honor the victims but also to raise awareness among the British public and policymakers about the ongoing repression in Iran.
According to organizers, similar exhibitions and solidarity gatherings were held in other UK cities, including London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, and Bristol. Each event reflected a shared message: support for the Iranian people’s right to peaceful protest and opposition to violence against civilians. Participants included students, academics, members of the Iranian diaspora, and human rights advocates.
In Manchester, the exhibition drew attention from members of the public, some of whom stopped to ask questions, take photographs, or express support. Organizers emphasized the importance of public engagement, noting that such exhibitions help amplify the voices of protesters inside Iran, especially amid restrictions on media and communication.
Representatives of the Iranian Academic Association said the initiative aimed to ensure that the victims are not forgotten and that their stories remain visible internationally. They stressed that academic communities have a responsibility to stand in solidarity with movements advocating freedom and fundamental human rights.
The exhibitions also reflected the growing activism of the Iranian diaspora in the UK, which has organized rallies, vigils, and awareness campaigns in response to recent events. These activities seek to encourage international attention and to demonstrate that support for the Iranian people extends beyond national borders.
Participants described the gatherings as peaceful and dignified, focused on remembrance and solidarity. Candles, portraits, and written tributes formed part of the displays, creating spaces for reflection and collective mourning.
Organizers expressed hope that such initiatives would contribute to sustained global awareness and encourage continued dialogue about human rights and democratic freedoms in Iran. They emphasized that the message of the exhibitions was clear: solidarity with the Iranian people and support for their aspirations for freedom, justice, and dignity.