Central Valley Iranian American's "car rally" around Fresno protesting Iran's government

FRESNO, Calif (FOX26) — For the ninth week in a row, Iranian Americans have protested Iran's government and the violent killings that are happening in the foreign country.

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Over 80 cars took to the streets of Fresno honking their horns and playing songs from Iran, making it clear that the protestors are against the current government and would like elected officials in California to not support the regime.

Many Valley locals said even though they are in America, they feel it is their right to speak against the government they do not support.

"This is our duty as humans to stand behind those that are being targeted by a regime, by a dictator regime in Iran," said Protestor Shahram Alae.

According to the United Nations, 40 people were killed in protests this past week alone with thousands more detained for participating in peaceful protests.

"This all started with the murder of the young lady named Mahsa Amini and she was only 22-years-old, yet what people always forget she was one person that's been murdered," said Protestor Dr. Mehdi Ghajar. "There are 500 murdered, 17,000 in prison that's being tortured and butchered and they're many young people who are actually missing."

The UN reports more than 300 people have been killed, including 40 children since the nationwide protests began on September 16, 2022.

"We want our community here to know about it so that when our representatives, our congressmen, and senators stay quiet on this issue that they know that the community knows about it," said Dr. Ghajar. "The entire community, not just the Iranian-American community wants them to act."

One of the protestors said he was one of the victims tortured by the Iranian government.

"You read the stories, the horrible stories that has happened and so I was one of the victims," said Alae. "Yes, I was tortured for many years."

That is why he is encouraging the community to stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves.

People that are suffering in Iran, they need the most support from all of us," he said. "Iranians, non-Iranians, doesn't matter we're all human.

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Dr. Ghajar said he is calling on our local representatives to not support the Iranian government and openly speak up against the regime.

Iranian Protestors in the Central Valley said they are going to continue to speak up for those that cannot until a change in the government is made.