News

Psychologists have long spoken about the influence and effect a person's name has on his or her life. When the 40 second video of Neda Agha-Soltan’s distressing death at the hands of Iranian bassiji forces was released on the internet, it became the most watched video of the recent uprisings in Iran. Neda’s name in Farsi means “divine message” “voice” or “calling,” fitting considering her fate.

" The beseeching of those around her to cling to life slowly turns to screams of horror as Neda’s face becomes immersed in blood, the surrendering of life eventually forces itself upon her loved ones who were fighting its acceptance "

The first desperate moments of footage in which Neda seems to still be alive are filled with frantic chaos as those around her including her father and music teacher gather around her and a doctor on scene applies pressure to her chest. A few seconds pass and as consciousness departs, a quick stream of blood begins to flow from Neda’s nasal area, and the distraught wailing of disbelief begins with statements like, “don’t be afraid Neda” and “stay Neda, stay here.” The beseeching of those around her to cling to life slowly turns to screams of horror as Neda’s face becomes immersed in blo... >>>