The video of the killing of a young woman, Neda Agha Soltan, has galvanised support among the protesters in Iran and their sympathisers abroad.

One of Neda's acquaintances at university was "Ilham." Ilham has lived in Europe for a few years, but was back in Tehran for the elections. She took part in the demonstrations until she fled the country earlier this week.

As a known human rights activist, Ilham feels that her and her family are in danger. Since the demonstrations began, hundreds of bloggers, journalists, and government critics have been picked up by the police. So for her own safety, we've given her an alias and digitally altered her voice.

Ilham shared with us the conflicted feelings she now has for her country, her part in the protests that "are making history", and the terrifying experience of being under sniper fire for demonstrating in defence of democracy.
 

Photo Flickr/Roel1943