A U.S. Basketball Player's Harrowing Escape from Iran
American professional basketball player Taylor Jones recounts her frightening ordeal in Iran as the country violently suppressed protests. The athlete, who was forced to flee her home due to the escalating unrest, spoke exclusively with ABC News' Linsey Davis.
Jones describes being trapped in Tehran as the demonstrations turned violent. "It was like nothing I'd ever experienced before," she says. "The streets were filled with protesters, and the sound of gunfire echoed through the air." The 27-year-old player recounts that her family's home became a target for demonstrators, forcing them to flee for their lives.
"I felt so helpless," Jones shares, recalling the traumatic events. "We had to leave everything behind – our belongings, our memories. It was like being ripped from my own life."
According to Jones, Iranian authorities quickly revoked her visa and confiscated her passport. Her family members were detained by security forces in an attempt to silence them about their daughter's experiences.
"I couldn't bear the thought of my family being held against their will," she says, fighting back tears. "I knew I had to get out, no matter what."
In a shocking turn of events, Jones and her family managed to escape Iran with just hours to spare. They arrived in Dubai, where they're currently seeking asylum.
"I'm grateful to be safe, but it's hard to shake the feeling that this isn't over yet," Jones admits. "I hope my experience can help raise awareness about what's happening in Iran and the bravery of those who speak out against oppression."
The athlete's harrowing account serves as a powerful reminder of the risks faced by activists and protesters in countries where dissent is not tolerated.
American professional basketball player Taylor Jones recounts her frightening ordeal in Iran as the country violently suppressed protests. The athlete, who was forced to flee her home due to the escalating unrest, spoke exclusively with ABC News' Linsey Davis.
Jones describes being trapped in Tehran as the demonstrations turned violent. "It was like nothing I'd ever experienced before," she says. "The streets were filled with protesters, and the sound of gunfire echoed through the air." The 27-year-old player recounts that her family's home became a target for demonstrators, forcing them to flee for their lives.
"I felt so helpless," Jones shares, recalling the traumatic events. "We had to leave everything behind – our belongings, our memories. It was like being ripped from my own life."
According to Jones, Iranian authorities quickly revoked her visa and confiscated her passport. Her family members were detained by security forces in an attempt to silence them about their daughter's experiences.
"I couldn't bear the thought of my family being held against their will," she says, fighting back tears. "I knew I had to get out, no matter what."
In a shocking turn of events, Jones and her family managed to escape Iran with just hours to spare. They arrived in Dubai, where they're currently seeking asylum.
"I'm grateful to be safe, but it's hard to shake the feeling that this isn't over yet," Jones admits. "I hope my experience can help raise awareness about what's happening in Iran and the bravery of those who speak out against oppression."
The athlete's harrowing account serves as a powerful reminder of the risks faced by activists and protesters in countries where dissent is not tolerated.
like, have you ever heard of the Sumerians? they were basically the first city dwellers and their writing system is still used today... anyway, it made me think about how some of these old cultures were way more advanced than we give them credit for. and i started wondering what would happen if we went back in time and saw how they lived 
. it's like, imagine being able to witness ancient events firsthand, wouldn't that be wild? 
This whole situation with Taylor Jones got me thinking, you know? I mean, being trapped in your own home, surrounded by chaos and violence... it's like, what can you even do? 
And her family got detained, which would've been super scary for anyone. 
I'm so glad she's safe now though... that must've been such a huge weight off her shoulders 
.
. I'm just glad she's safe now and getting the help she needs in Dubai 
but at the same time it's crazy that ppl have to live in fear cuz of gov't suppression 
. We gotta stand w/ ppl like Taylor who are willing to take risks for justice 
. i hope taylor's experience does help raise awareness about what's happening in iran, though - it's so important for us to know the truth 
.