Canadian Iranian journalist and documentary filmmaker
The sight of Hezbollah and Islamic Republic of Iran flags just outside the venue where Democrats held their national convention in Chicago this week is no longer shocking—but remains a troubling reality for many Americans.
Hezbollah, which was designated a terrorist entity in 1997 in the US and Iran's current flag, which represents a government responsible for 'crimes against humanity' according to the United Nations Fact Finding Mission, is not something Iranian-American Sarah Raviani wants to see on her streets.
"I can't believe what I'm seeing in the streets at these protests...it's traumatizing for a lot of people that escaped the repression of the regime in Iran," said Raviani, who is an advocate with the National Union for Democracy in Iran (NUFDI).
But it's not just the mere representation of these flags at American protests, it's also the rhetoric and symbolism behind it that is of concern.
Raviani's family fled Iran after the 1979 Islamic Revolution and now she's faced with the reality that some Americans look up to the Iranian regime they tried to leave behind.
"I think that it's a huge slap in the face to the people that have stood up for years now, decades, fighting for their freedom when they see young people in America who have their freedom being hypocritical by holding the Islamic Republic flag that represents terror, repression and abuse."
Iran International's Arash Alaei caught up with one of the protestors Tuesday outside the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago.
The man, seen in the video, identified himself as Luca Demaggio, told Iran International, he supports the Islamic Republic because of its opposition to Israel.
"I am out here against Israel, and I believe that Iran is genuinely the most anti-Zionist country in the world," he said.
When pressed by the reporter on why he supports the Iranian government despite its crackdown on women, ethnic and religious minorities, he responded that he's not educated enough to make an informed response but said Iran's stance on Israel trumps all.
"I fly the Iranian flag because of their stance on Israel," said Demaggio.
Florida Democratic Representative Jared Moskowitz, told The Daily Mail Monday, that Iran is behind the large-scale protests at the DNC.
"Everyone has a right to protest, but there are also professional agitators involved," he said to The Daily Mail.
Riot police were called to the protests Monday after dozens of demonstrators broke through part of the perimeter security fence surrounding the DNC.
This comes as US intelligence officials revealed that Iran is interfering in the 2024 American elections. On Monday intelligence officials said they're confident that Iran was responsible for the hack of Donald Trump's presidential campaign, which is part of a cyber intrusion to influence the outcome of the US election.
Officials also believe that Iran tried to hack into the presidential campaign of Kamala Harris in addition to breaching the Trump campaign.
On July 9, US Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines warned that "Iran is becoming increasingly aggressive in their foreign influence efforts."
Jason Brodsky, the policy director for United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), said it's important for American authorities and the public to understand how Iran operates its influence operations. He pointed to what Iranian intelligence has done in Israel like luring some Israelis into performing tasks in exchange for money.
Three Israelis were arrested in July on suspicion of operating on behalf of Iranian intelligence, with missions ranging from storing cash to committing arson and even murder.
"If Iran is undertaking those activities in Israel, it is likely doing the same in the United States and elsewhere. It camouflages the identities of its intelligence operatives by making them appear as Israeli or even American activists, and provides payment via cryptocurrency," said Brodsky.
Based on Iran's moves in Israel, Brodsky believes US officials need to investigate whether Iran and its allies are paying Americans to protest.
In the case of Demaggio, the young man waving the Islamic Republic Flag, Brodsky said it speaks to a troubling problem in America and its education system.
"It's backwards, dangerous, and provides a fertile environment for US adversaries to exploit."
