News in Iran continues to arouse interest and make people talk about it around the world. Today we look at a recent event that has captured the attention of human rights advocates: the first anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini.
Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman, died in custody on September 16, 2022. Her arrest by Iranian morality police, for allegedly violating the Islamic Republic’s strict dress codes, was the cause of violent demonstrations against the regime which lasted for months.
As the anniversary approaches, security forces in Iran have increased their presence and taken measures to prevent any commemoration of Mahsa Amini’s death. The young woman’s father, Amjad Amini, paid the price by being briefly detained by the police last Saturday. He was reportedly warned not to organize a commemoration before being subsequently released.
These new arrests and intimidation of relatives of victims of repression in Iran underline the constant pressure exerted on those who dare to express their opposition to the regime. Despite government warnings, Mahsa Amini’s parents said they would hold a “traditional and religious birthday ceremony” at their daughter’s grave in Saqqez, her hometown.
In anticipation of possible unrest, security forces have been deployed to Kurdish-majority areas in Iran, and strikes have been reported in several cities. However, Iranian authorities claimed that the situation was under control and that calls for strikes had failed thanks to the “vigilance of the population” and the presence of security forces.
The death of Mahsa Amini and the protests that followed have highlighted human rights abuses in Iran. According to human rights organizations, more than 500 people, including 71 minors, were killed during these protests, and hundreds more were injured or arrested. The Iranian regime also carried out seven executions linked to these unrest.
Despite repression and continued efforts to silence opposition, Iranians continue to fight for freedom and basic rights in their country. Their courage and determination are an inspiration to us all, and we must continue to support their cause and raise our voices to make their demands heard.