About 60 people attended a Thursday vigil honoring civilians killed amid the Iranian government’s crackdown on anti-regime protests.

The vigil – held by the Iranian Student Group at UCLA, the Persian Pre-Law Association, the Iranian Medical Society at UCLA and Persian Greek life organizations Sigma Pi Sigma Psi and Sigma Pi Beta – began with speeches on the McClure Stage at about 5:20 p.m. Organizers displayed a Lion and Sun flag – a symbol of Iran’s pre-revolution government – on the stage, surrounded by roses, candles and photos of people who have died in Iran.

Signs were also propped along the stage reading “Free Iran” and “Woman, Life, Freedom” – a protest slogan created after civilian Mahsa Amini died in the custody of Iranian morality police in 2022.

Protests sparked by an economic crisis in Iran broke out across the country beginning in late December, according to the Associated Press. The Islamic Republic has killed more than 5,000 people involved in the protests as of Friday, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.

The Islamic Republic cut off internet access nationwide Jan. 8, according to Reuters.

“We remember names that should still be spoken in classrooms, in homes, in laughter filled streets,” a speaker said. “We remember lives that were stolen, not by fate, not by war, but by a regime that fears its own people more than it values human life.”

One speaker said community members gathered at the vigil to recognize the courage of people in Iran who have stood up against violence. They added in their speech that they believe President Donald Trump has failed to protect Iranian civilians – who have not received any kind of aid from the United States.

President Trump said Jan. 2 that if Iran’s government killed peaceful protesters, the U.S. would “come to their rescue.”

Another speaker gave a tribute to their grandmother who died in Iran Tuesday, adding that they hope freedom will be achieved in the country.

“I mourn your lost dreams, but I cherish the courage you instilled in me,” they said. “I mourn that you had to die alone, away from your family, but I pray that one day, the Iran you dream of will come to fruition.”

A speaker also said they hope to honor Zohreh Fazeli, a civilian who Iranian security forces shot dead Jan. 9. They called on attendees to be the “voice of the voiceless.”

Amin Mahajan, a third-year philosophy student who delivered a speech at the vigil, said he encouraged attendees to persist in the face of ongoing unrest in Iran. Mahajan – a member of ISG and Sigma Pi Beta – said he immigrated to the U.S. as a child and his extended family still lives in Iran.

He added that he feels a sense of responsibility to support his community and raise awareness on the conflict in Iran from outside the country.

“We can’t let the lives of those lost go in vain and with our spirit, with our hope, with our willpower, soon Iran will be free from the regime, and our country will be able to be what they were meant to be,” Mahajan said.

The attendees, some holding individual flowers and candles, also observed two moments of silence during the vigil to remember people who have died in Iran.

Mana Hariri, the cultural director of ISG, said most participants have connections in Iran – many of whom they are not able to contact because of the internet blackout. Events like the vigil have helped Iranian students at UCLA relieve stress and find strength, she added.

“Because of the no internet situation, we’re not able to contact them, so we’re not aware of their health, how they’re doing, even if some of them have passed away,” said Hariri, a fourth-year applied mathematics and statistics and data science student.

Kian Gholibeik, a fourth-year public affairs and global studies student, said he believes it is important for the Iranian community to unite, despite different narratives spreading on social media. He added that he ultimately wishes for an Iranian government that celebrates cultural and ethnic diversity.

The vigil ended at about 6 p.m., with one speaker expressing gratitude to the Iranian community at UCLA.

“Even in this moment of darkness, we are bringing some sort of light just by sticking together, showing unity and showing love and support for each other,” Mahajan said.