Sawt Falasteen - Iran ex-empress urges security forces to join protesters

Farah Pahlavi, 87, echoing calls made by her son the former crown prince Reza Pahlavi, said she believed "light will triumph over darkness" despite a crackdown by authorities that activists fear has left hundreds dead.

She left Iran on January 16, 1979 alongside her husband Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, just two weeks before the return to the country of Islamic revolution leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Her husband died in 1980.

Farah Pahlavi had on January 2 welcomed the protests as "filling my heart with pride", but this is her first statement since they grew into large-scale demonstrations last week calling for an end to the Islamic republic.

"I know that the dark-minded have cut off your lines of communication with the outside world out of fear of hearing your voice, but know that your message is too loud to be silenced," she said, referring to an internet blackout that has lasted over four days.

Addressing the Iranian security forces, the former empress, or "shahbanu", added: "Remember that the survival of no government and the preservation of no benefit justify the shedding of the blood of your compatriots.

"Hear the cries of anger and rage of the protesters. Join your other brothers and sisters before it is too late and do not tie your fate to the fate of the murderers," she said.

Describing the people of Iran as "my children", she added: "Be strong and believe that soon you will celebrate freedom together in Iran, and light will triumph over darkness."

Farah Pahlavi was the third wife of the shah, who she met while a student in Paris. Their romance was an international sensation in the 1960s and 70s and she became an icon, with her image captured by the likes of artist Andy Warhol.

Her son Reza has emerged as one of the key diaspora figures in the protests, calling for nightly rallies and urging support from US President Donald Trump. Commentators have noted that pro-Pahlavi slogans urging a restoration of the monarchy have been frequent chants.

N.AbuHussein--SF-PST