Thousands of Iranians filled the streets of London and other world cities on the anniversary of death of 22 year old Kurdish Iranian Jina Mahsa Amini who died a year ago on Saturday after being brutally beaten by the so called morality police, allegedly for wearing her hi-jab improperly. Amini’s death sparked the largest uprising Iran has seen since the Islamic revolution in 1979 and united Iranians of all ethnic minorities, social groups and ages. Lead by women, protests under the banner Woman Life Freedom ignited in most cities and received widespread support throughout the World. The regime cracked down on protesters killing over 550 - including more than 70 children - and arresting over 20k and while many of the rallies slowed down after several months, the Iranian society have continued their daily disobedience and society begun to organize its resistance. Heading to the one year anniversary, the state did everything to scare Iranians from commemorating Amini, including arresting many of her family members and many protesters and activists from the past. The regime announced a new law and even stricter controls of women’s life sending military units to control its most repressed region Kurdistan during the anniversary weekend and switching off internet across the country to prevent gatherings and news spreading out. Despite all this, after a night of chants “death to dictator” Iranians went to the streets again supported by huge rallies in dozens of world cities. Where they didn’t receive any support was the US government, which - just days before the anniversary - announced it would free $6b of frozen assets in a prisoner swap with Iran which human rights activists warn would be used against women and the resistance.

Pro Choice (supporting right for abortion) and Pro Life (against right
for abortion) have clashed on London’s Parliament Square on the day of
annual March For Life. 02/09/2023

OK, you didn’t expect this, right? :) I have added a few BW pics from this years carnival to the Notting Hill Carnival gallery, but here’s a colour set to show just how amazing and vibrant this event is. Now, it is important to say that most of my pictures come only from the very beginning of the festival where the local community gather very early in the morning for the unofficial opening - J’Ouvert . This is full of colour “fights”, dance and emotions  but also dirt and sweat. The carnival itself with all its feathers and glitter isn’t attracting me as much so you’ll have to look for other photographers who shoot that kind of stuff.