– I saw armed people in conflict with the police. People running and shouting. It was also shot.
This is what Bahareh Letnes (35) says to Dagbladet.
On January 4, the ex-politician and businesswoman traveled to Iran to visit her brother and sister.
Four days later, a full-scale rebellion broke out in the country threatened by civil war. Cities went into “lockdown”, demonstrations and riots ravaged – and several thousand lost their lives.
Bahareh did not get out. And at home in Norway, the 35-year-old’s Norwegian family sat in fear and uncertainty:
– We fear what might happen to our daughter […] We have called and called, but have not received an answer, said the 35-year-old’s foster mother, Anne-Lise Langdal to Dagbladet on 15 January.
Five days ago, Bahareh was back on Norwegian soil – and now she shares details from the turbulent journey with Dagbladet.
– Was terrified
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– The situation has been very demanding. Both civilians and police were armed, and in the middle of this ordinary people have been killed – both civilians and police officers. It is heartbreaking, says Bahareh.
– It wasn’t about women
She says that she was in Tehran from 6 to 8 January. One day she and one sister were visiting the local hospital. They had parked the car in the main street in town.
– The situation outside was uneasy, and my sister was terrified and did not dare to go out to collect the car. I told her I could do it alone, but she went along anyway.
– When we got to the car, it was undamaged, but right in front of it we saw clear traces of gunshots in the asphalt.
Bahareh and her sister threw themselves into the car and drove home to their aunts, who were waiting at home.
– That moment made the situation very real for both of us. Earlier that day we had heard shooting in the area around the hospital. The guards at the hospital dragged us in, and told us clearly that we had to stay inside – otherwise we could be hit.
– It was chaotic and terrifying.
– Couldn’t go out
Despite unpleasant experiences, Bahareh believes that the situation initially felt relatively safe.
On weekdays, however, they had to shop during the day and be at home before the shops closed around 8-9 p.m.
Hiding it from “everyone”
Many shops were also closed around the clock as a form of protest. This applied, among other things, to Karaj, where she stayed most of the time. She traveled here on 8 January, and was there until 21 January.
– After a few days, we were told not to be out after 9 p.m. The internet was shut down, and it was not possible to call internally in the country in the evening, she continues.
– Only way
Bahareh says that fleeing a country does not mean that you stop loving the people there, or that you lose your connection to the country you come from.
– I have four siblings and seven cousins who live in Iran. None of them get a visitor’s visa to Norway, despite several attempts. For me, this is the only real way to see my family.
– There are many who question why I, why I travel back to a country I once had to leave. The answer is fundamentally human, she continues.
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The 35-year-old says she is happy in her family – and in Iran – while at the same time she is deeply grateful for Norway.
– These feelings are not opposed to each other. This is not politics, but personal feelings linked to family, loss and identity.
Was worried
Of all that has happened, it was the conversations Bahareh had with people in Iran that made the most impression. Almost everyone she spoke to was dissatisfied with the economy and the cost of living in the country, she says.
– It’s unfortunate and clumsy
– Many earn the equivalent of NOK 1,000-1,500 a month, while they need around NOK 3,000 just to cover rent and food. Some are without jobs and income.
At the same time, the 35-year-old had her own concerns about the operation of Grand Bar, the bar she started with ex-fiancé Per Sandberg (65), which she now runs alone in Halden.
– Fortunately, I was able to call Norway directly on two occasions. I had done most everything before departure, and my deputy ran the business in a very good and responsible manner.
– Had to wait several days
The most frustrating thing about the whole situation was the journey home, says Bahareh.
The flight was cancelled, and the 35-year-old had to stay in a hotel near the airport – and show up physically to get a new seat.
– There was a big lack of capacity, and there weren’t enough seats for everyone. I therefore had to wait several days before I got a new departure – but luckily we got home safely.
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Bahareh says she is happy that she got to see her family in Iran. She emphasizes that her statements are about family and safety, and not politics.
– At the same time, I am deeply concerned. The risk of war is felt to be real, and it is difficult to be safe in Norway while you fear for your family.
Letnes says that today she loves Norway more than many who were born here. She emphasizes that – ever since she came here as a 16-year-old refugee – she has had a clear goal to contribute.
– Norway’s values, security and opportunities mean an enormous amount to me. I can be proud of developing businesses, creating jobs, paying taxes and being a citizen of Norway. I have achieved several of my dreams here!
