Facebook Turns Iran's Neda into a Martyr

She wasn't cold before a video of her death was e-mailed out of the country and posted to Facebook by an Iranian expatriot in the Netherlands whose identity is being protected.

"It shocked me very, very much," he said. "I was sure at that time everyone in the world, if they see this movie, they'll be shocked. I felt that I must broadcast it because I try to show to the world what is going on in my country."

Two things about the death resonate in particular: Her name means "voice" in Farsi, and she died staring uncomprehendingly at the sky.

One of several tribute pages on Facebook says, "Neda died with open eyes. Shame on us who live with closed eyes."

Beliefnet founder Steve Waldman said Neda's martyrdom wields unusual power, not just because she was a pretty young woman, but because she was just an innocent onlooker.

"She becomes a martyr in a way a rock-thrower wouldn't. Her death therefore will hurt the regime infinitely more," he said.

"That video is the greatest weapon freedom fighters have."

• Related link: Photo Gallery: Unrest in Iran
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