Arrested by Iran's Morality Police: My Story

11/22/22 • 42 min

In this edition of the podcast I cannot reveal the name of my guest or what part of Europe she is in, so as to protect her and her family's safety. She is from Iran and when she was 20 years of age, she was arrested by the country's so-called 'morality police'. She was locked into the coffee shop where she was sitting with her friends, verbally berated and humiliated, and threatened with whipping. What was her crime? She dared to show some of her hair from behind her hijab and wear red lipstick.
In September of 2022, a 20-year-old girl named Mahsa Amini was arrested by the morality police in Iran. She was reportedly beaten around the head. Her crime? Showing a small bit of her hair from behind her hijab. She went into a coma and died three days later. Her death sparked widespread protests in Iran, with government forces killing over 400 people, including 58 children. They say, they are maintaining law and order, and that these people are not protestors, but 'rioters' and 'terrorists'.
As the horror in Iran continues to unfold, my guest has agreed to share her personal story of dealing with the morality police in the help of us understanding how the system works in Iran, and what kind of future the country could be facing. It's a unique insight into a way of life that is so unfamiliar to most of us, and frightening to think it is real.
This is an issue that needs to be highlighted across the world. Please help raise awareness.

Previous Episode

Irish Jewellery Designer: Bláithín Ennis

Bláithín Ennis is an incredibly talented Irish fashion designer, specialising in jewellery and accessories. Her work is sold in some of Ireland's top retail outlets, and has been worn by celebrities around the world. From Wexford in the south east of Ireland, in this episode, Bláithín tells Colm about where her love of fashion and creating came from, and how she landed a dream internship working with Diane von Furstenberg in New York. She also talks about what it's like running her own fashion business and brand in Ireland and the challenges that poses. Finally, her advice to anyone considering turning their passion into a business.

instagram.com/colmflynnire

Next Episode

Love Island and Recovering From Addiction: Cormac Murphy

In this episode of the Colm Flynn Podcast, I chat to Irish social media influencer and reality TV star, Cormac Murphy. Living in New York City, Cormac featured in the first season of 'Love Island' on CBS and also appeared on the E4 show of 'Celebs Go Dating' in the UK. But behind the chiselled instagram pictures and seemingly perfect life in the US, Cormac was secretary battling with addiction and depression. His addiction to alcohol and drugs became so bad that his family eventually had to intervene and bring him back to Ireland and to rehab. Cormac claims he believes he would always have ended up in rehab, but thinks the party lifestyle that came with recognition from his TV work accelerated that. Now, Cormac is back in New York City and living a new life. He's sober, healthy, happy, and running a successful fitness company called Macc Fitness.

instagram.com/colmflynnire