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A deeper dive into Iran's current unrest as the future of the country future hangs in the balance , accompanied by an insightful QnA from Iranian born - P , who relocated from Iran to the UK in his 20s
"Nothing feels greater than returning home ...
To see that look on your father’s face,The hug your mom gives as if you are the same baby she gave birth to even though you are a grown adult,The smell of your old house with the divine food ahead has prepared for your arrival and the plans she has for the following days,Seeing your old neighborhood where your childhood is hidden,Hearing your mother tongue being spoken on street, the familiar culture you have not seen for while and generally to feel you are at home is whats motivating"
©olli3lliott All rights reserved.
(\) - What do people in the UK misunderstand about these protests?
P - That these protests are not about anything but freedom. Freedom from religiously cruel and oppressive regime that has put the country in economical turmoil , international isolation, deprivation through sanctions due to their foundation of many Islamic terrorist groups with the aim to destroy Israel and then to conquer the world with their religious shite doctrine.
(\) - What’s missing from Western media coverage?
P - Coverage of the real events and relay the news coming out of country which without having any representatives there ... it’s the best excuse to not show or relay anything that is not recorded through their own resources and be in complete ignorance of what the Iranian people can leak out of their country’s total blackout.
(\) - How do Iranians themselves view Western involvement in movements for change?
P - Iranians would expect the support and assistance to overcome the cruelties of their current regime and change it to a free country where they can thrive and success, but the West seems to be interested in business deals and not the people of the country.Iranians know the world would benefit from their involvement in business, science, economy and all other aspects of a free society.*The West can also be benefited from investing heavily in Iran as a clean canvas for 47 years.The country needs infrastructure, industry renewals, factories, production warehouses, Oil plants, mining and many other sectors to be invested in and the West can be benefited from it financially, economically, industrially and more.
(\) - What do you think Western media most often misunderstands about Iran or Iranians?
P - More often than expected Western media is showing the Iranian regime to be the actual representative of its people which is not correct
(\) - How different is the conversation about Iran inside the country compared to abroad?
P - People talk more or less the same about their country inside to outside.The difference is that inside - people are more vigilant, conservative and extra cautious when talking in public areas.Although this has changed in recent years and people can talk more freely amongst their trusted peers, but the risk is still as high.
(\) - You’ve returned to Iran every year - what motivates those visits?
P - Nothing feels greater than returning home.Home is where your parents are and the unprecedented love and affection you receive from your parents is indescribable. To see that look on your father’s face,The hug your mom gives as if you are the same baby she gave birth to even though you are a grown adult,The smell of your old house with the divine food ahead has prepared for your arrival and the plans she has for the following days,Seeing your old neighborhood where your childhood is hidden,Hearing your mother tongue being spoken on street, the familiar culture you have not seen for while and generally to feel you are at home is whats motivating.There are so many negatives and demotings as well, but as long as you are safe, Home is always welcoming.
The UK is in a state of unrest , dive deeper into these unfiltered visual stories from the streets.
London Scrapbook is a series of street photographs I captured between music events and tramping in my makeshift camper in 2025.Coming from the countryside, I was struck by the sheer volume of foot traffic and the incredible ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity all around me—it was truly eye-opening. To make the most of my time there, I looked up public events happening nearby, I devoted my off-hours to photographing these experiences.The series left me with a profoundly new perspective on life and different cultures. Here, I’ve archived a selection of the events and street moments that had the biggest impact on meEnjoy.
Speakers corner 20/04/25
Freedom for Iran protest 19,04,25
The movement fights against the IRGC’s (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) brutality, political abuse, and suppression of free speech and democracy in Iran since 1979 -Including the central role of the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps).While the IRGC claims its actions are based on Islamic values, many protesters are Muslims themselves, opposing a government that uses religion for control, not faith.
Mahsa Amini, seen in the middle of this banner , died in IRGC custody in September 2022 after allegedly being detained for not wearing her hijab "properly."
Her death sparked protests led by Iranians and women’s rights activists worldwide condemning the IRGC for abusing civilians, silencing women, and protecting only the regime’s power.
Recent protests have been met with violence, arrests, and killings. A crackdown that has escalated into what many now describe as the most serious uprising Iran has faced in decades.What began as demonstrations over economic hardship has spread nationwide, with protesters openly calling for an end to clerical rule.Security forces have responded with live fire, sweeping detentions, and nationwide internet blackouts in an effort to crush dissent and control the narrative - including reports of at least 12,000 deaths over just two days amid the intensified crackdown
Fellow Photographer Aaron (@tookbyaaron) kindly connected me with a close Iranian relative who now resides in the UK for a rare, personal Q&A on the topic.t
You can read the full QnA below or alternatively with no imagery here -
P, was just seven years old when the Islamic Revolution erupted in 1979 - later relocating to the UK in his twenties.
Today, he maintains deep ties to his roots, returning annually with Aaron to visit his hometown. These trips allow the next generation to experience firsthand the places and people that shaped his life.
This intimate dialogue provides a personal lens on Iran, tempered by a clear call for freedom and renewal- while cherishing the unbreakable pull of home.
(\) - What do people in the UK misunderstand about these protests?
P - That these protests are not about anything but freedom.
Freedom from religiously cruel and oppressive regime that has put the country in economical turmoil , international isolation, deprivation through sanctions due to their foundation of many Islamic terrorist groups with the aim to destroy Israel and then to conquer the world with their religious shite doctrine.
(\) - What’s missing from Western media coverage?
P - Coverage of the real events and relay the news coming out of country which without having any representatives there ...
it’s the best excuse to not show or relay anything that is not recorded through their own resources and be in complete ignorance of what the Iranian people can leak out of their country’s total blackout.
(\) - How do Iranians themselves view Western involvement in movements for change?
P - Iranians would expect the support and assistance to overcome the cruelties of their current regime and change it to a free country where they can thrive and success, but the West seems to be interested in business deals and not the people of the country.
Iranians know the world would benefit from their involvement in business, science, economy and all other aspects of a free society.The West can also be benefited from investing heavily in Iran as a clean canvas for 47 years.The country needs infrastructure, industry renewals, factories, production warehouses, Oil plants, mining and many other sectors to be invested in and the West can be benefited from it financially, economically, industrially and more.
(\) - What do you think Western media most often misunderstands about Iran or Iranians?
P - More often than expected Western media is showing the Iranian regime to be the actual representative of its people. Which is not correct.
(\) - How different is the conversation about Iran inside the country compared to abroad?
P - People talk more or less the same about their country inside to outside.
The difference is that inside - people are more vigilant, conservative and extra cautious when talking in public areas.
Although this has changed in recent years and people can talk more freely amongst their trusted peers, but the risk is still as high.
(\) - You’ve returned to Iran every year - what motivates those visits?
P - Nothing feels greater than returning home.
Home is where your parents are and the unprecedented love and affection you receive from your parents is indescribable.
To see that look on your father’s face,The hug your mom gives as if you are the same baby she gave birth to even though you are a grown adult,The smell of your old house with the divine food ahead has prepared for your arrival and the plans she has for the following days,Seeing your old neighborhood where your childhood is hidden,Hearing your mother tongue being spoken on street, the familiar culture you have not seen for while and generally to feel you are at home is whats motivating.
- Additional images -
Vaisakhi festival 19,02,25
Chinatown, Soho , Camden and the West End
Our capital feels so alien to me - that might be why I'm so fascinated every time I'm here, its strange, though, how many people here seem to hate it.
I embrace the abstract in photography and exist a the few bits of order extracted from the chaos of reality - Ralph Gibson
Directly behind where i was stood for both these photographs was either rundown or filled with corporate architecture .London lives in a constant state of visual contradiction.
I asked a fella outside the Gielgud Theatre where I could grab a decent bite, and he goes, “There’s a cracking Chinese just round the corner.” So, I turn the corner and I’m faced with about 10 restaurant’s in the heart of Chinatown.Proper wind-up that
The bloke pulling off these footy tricks has been at it for decades—according to his sign, he’s been doing it longer than most pro careers even last.
Images & Text by - @Joshuathornton.photo
Legalise Cannabis Protest
Hyde Park , London 20,04,25
In the fall of 1971 , San Rafael - California . Five students collectivly known as the Waldos would gather at 4:20pm in search of an abandoned cannabis crop . To remain lowkey they coined the term "420" as their secret code for the ambitious voyages - after many failed attempts they simply decided to light up together at 4:20pm instead . The term "420" was first ublicly cited in the High Times magazine in 1991 and has since become a well-known symbol for cannabis consumption.
The yearly tradition of meeting up for a smoke at 4:20pm on the 4th month's 20th day is now an international occurrence - however the tone is slightly different nowadays - specifically in Hyde Park - London
Since "420" is not an official gathering according to Royal Parks and the Recreational use of Cannabis is currently illegal in the UK - Police presence is to be expected , however at these rallies they only seem to be corncerned about people with speakers and kids selling homemade tshirts .
In 2023 10,473 deaths from alcohol-specific causes were registered in the UK, the highest number on record - Office for National Statistics
No-one has ever died as a direct and immediate consequence of recreational or medical use of Cannabis - www.parliment.uk
there were also 90,405 cannabis possession offences in England and Wales in the same year yet the UK’s legal cannabis market collected over £110 million in revenue
Hyde Park is known for its open-air public speaking, debate, and discussion with it being bordered by Speakers corner (which i have previously covered in the London Projects [Here] ) and ran by the aptly named 420 comitee . 420 in Hyde Park is more like a rally , tens of thousands of people of all ages advocating for the legalsation of a free cannabis market.
The Day begins
- " I Crotcheted it myself "
- " We wouldnt make him wear it if we had a choice "
Since the muzzle ban, overall dog attacks remain the same , yet reports of neglect and cruelty surged 230%
Police shutdown
- " No loud music or Merchandising is permitted in Hyde Park"
@Roachmag
' Life imitates art far more than art imitates life ' - Oscar Wilde
Meanwhile around 10 metres away from the shutdown ...
- " Spin to win "
Push up competition
" Were doing a push up contest to prove stoners arent lazy "
- " I just prefer it when people are captured naturally "
"There is a certain beauty in chaos, magnificence in the uncontrollable" - Hafsah Faizal
