Iranian refugee leads protest at R.I. State House
5:48 PM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | Permalink
Email
 |
 |
Projo 7 to 7 News BlogTaking the news pulse of Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, by Providence Journal and projo.com staff, from 7 to 7, every business day |
|
Get the 7 to 7 on your mobile at www.projo.com. Twitter: projo | RSS | Email alerts
« Ocean 'dead' zone still has life, URI scientist finds |
Main
| E. Providence teachers vote no confidence in board »
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The violent images from Tehran so disturbed Iranian refugee Nader Mahmoudi that on Monday, he did something he could never have done in his home country: demonstrate without permission or fear of reprisal. Joined by three dozen supporters, Mahmoudi stood under the State House portico in solidarity with protesters in Iran. He hoisted a home-made placard that says "We want freedom from the dictator" as supporters chanted "Peace for Iran." Many of them were wearing green T-shirts and headbands, a color that Mahmoudi said is considered holy. Mahmoudi was helped by Socorro Gomez-Potter, principal of the Reservoir Avenue School and volunteer with the International Institute of Rhode Island, the agency that resettled Mahmoudi and his family. She suggested the State House venue. Gomez-Potter told Mahmoudi, "In America, you don't need to get permission. You have freedom of speech and freedom to assemble." "At first, we thought it was just going to be a few of us," said Gomez-Potter. Then she contacted clergy and other advocates and asked if they "will come and stand with Nader," and "for those who have fallen for Iran." The group began to grow. In an interview Monday, Mahmoudi said he left Iran 20 years ago because he wanted to become a Christian. Abandoning his Muslim faith made him "like a dissident ... they would have killed me," he said. Mahmoudi first moved to Japan, and then to Thailand, where he became a Christian missionary. Two years ago, he arrived as a refugee. He and his wife, who is Thai, have one child. Mahmoudi is one of four Iranian refugees to be resettled in Rhode Island in the past two years. "Now I am happy to be in the United States, to freedom country, to do my religious practice and go to church," said Mahmoudi, who works part time while attending the Community College of Rhode Island. 
|
New comments
New photos
New posts
Projo blogs
Archives
Leave a comment
Please be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish.