Iranian students gather in College Station to condemn violence in Iran

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) - The Iranian Students Association and other groups gathered at Aggie Park on Saturday to condemn ongoing and escalating violence in Iran.

Participants echoed sentiments expressed by others across the country, calling for political freedom, justice and the right for Iranians to live with dignity and security. They also want the U.S. to help.

A Texas A&M student from Iran, who asked not to be named, said the internet blackout and blocked messaging services has prevented him from contacting his mother in Iran.

That same internet blackout has made verifying the death toll in Iran hard to pinpoint, with people reporting anywhere from 2,000 to 20,000 deaths.

In a statement, the Texas A&M Persian Student Association said they are committed to amplifying the voices of people silenced in Iran. The group is promoting local advocacy to ensure the crisis is acknowledged and that Iranian students receive needed support. They also want to preserve their heritage and culture defined not by their oppressors, but by their people.