Iran: Running out of Time
11 minutes, 2003
Ref: 350

Anger at Iran's theocratic system is erupting on the street. The hardline clerics who rule Iran are clearly nervous after a series of protests that revealed an unprecedented level of frustration and outrage among the country's youth in June. Although the protests have died down for the moment, tensions may explode again soon - when Iranians mark the anniversary of a crackdown against student protesters four years ago. Two students - Nima and Nasrin - both students who met and fell in love during the 1999 protests - relate how they feel about the current regime. They are among the 106 activists who have written a letter to the authorities saying that time is running out. In a country where 75% of the population is under 30, but where there are no jobs, little accessible education, the youth of Iran has had enough of a regime they no longer believe is relevant to their lives. Through interviews with student activists; testimony from the wife/ mother whose husband and son are both being detained; Imami Kashani denouncing America and foreign influence during Friday prayers and other young contributors; we are given a portrait of Iran today. Many democratic activists believe hopes for Iran's reform movement died during that crackdown four years ago and this year's anniversary will carry a particular resonance given events in recent weeks.