A travel influencer has expressed her concern for a close friend trapped in Iran, amid the revolution.
Karolina Wachowicz visited the Middle Eastern country east of Iraq, currently embroiled in a bloody conflict, last year.
She travelled with her Iranian friend Hamza, 35, who returned to visit his family at the end of December.
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But when the country was plunged into chaos earlier this month, Hamza, who now lives in Barcelona, Spain, found himself unable to leave.
Now influencer Karolina has lost all contact with him, sharing that she is “super concerned” for his wellbeing.
“He found himself in the middle of the revolution,” Karolina told Need To Know.
“He told me these aren’t just demonstrations, this time it’s a revolution.”
The 35-year-old went on: “Before his internet was cut off, he told me what the situation was like.
“Women are shedding their hijabs, donning skirts, and lighting cigarettes with burning photos of the religious leader.
“Men trample on Islamic Republic flags and chant in the street.
“I am super concerned about Hamza. This is the longest time I haven’t spoken to him.”
Karolina also recalled some of the horrific things she witnessed in the country last year as tensions began to boil over.
The Polish influencer said: “I’ll never forget, during my trip to Iran, when I saw a large, empty field that resembled a football pitch.
“It turned out that executions were taking place there, some public.
“Young people who opposed the religious regime were being routinely murdered.
“Mothers sobbed in the street as they only learned about their child’s death after the execution.
“I also spoke with Hamza’s sister and her friends, who said they had to adhere to strict laws every day under penalty of fines, flogging, or even death.
“Imagine you have a new dress, but you can only wear it at home or with friends.
“On the streets, you have to cover yourself. If you don’t, you could die.”
Having witnessed much unrest first-hand in the country, Hamza – when he could still contact Karolina – told her he believes the latest wave represents a flashpoint for Iran.
Karolina explained: “Young people were already protesting back then, but never on such a scale as now.
“Hamza told me that it feels very chaotic and dangerous, and people are desperate.
“People on the streets in Karaj are saying they have nothing to lose.
“Online opinions about the protests are divided – some support them, others oppose them.
“I believe it’s fairest to let Iranians speak for themselves, especially those who face the realities every day.
“The media focuses on corruption, skyrocketing inflation, and an economy stifled by sanctions. These problems are real and painful.
“But the young Iranians I know personally reiterate one thing: above all, this is a fight for freedom.
“Hamza told me that they’re tired of living in a cage.
“He said ‘We want to party, make love, work without fear, live a normal life’.”
She added: “The question is: will the internet blackout stifle their voice or will a wave of freedom sweep over Iran?
“I hope my friend will contact me again soon and answer this question.”
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