How the Death of Mahsa Amini has shaken Iran

Image Courtesy: CNN

On September 16, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman named Mahsa Amini was declared deceased by the Iranian government. Three days before her death she was arrested in Tehran and detained by Iran’s morality police for allegedly wearing “unsuitable attire”. Iran’s mandatory hijab rule requires women to cover their hair with a hijab and their arms and legs with loose clothing. This law has been in action since 1851 and has been challenged by women for several years. Mahsa Amini’s mother claims her daughter was dressed according to these laws and they were given no explanation for her arrest only that her hijab was too loose and showed some hair. While still in custody Mahsa Amini was transported to a hospital Iranian authorities stated that she had a heart attack at the police station and later fell into a coma. Mahsa Amini’s family has disputed these claims as she was perfectly healthy at the time of her arrest. Several reports and eyewitnesses have come forward stating that Mahsa Amini was tortured and beaten by the police which ultimately led to her death.

Image Courtesy: NBC News

After Mahsa Amini’s death, thousands of Iranians began protesting in the streets demanding their government release the truth of her death and end the violence towards women. Women and young girls leading these protests are seen protesting with their hair shown and burning their hijabs in the streets. They are also seen cutting their hair to protest their lack of rights in Iran, as it is a sign of rebellion and mourning in Persian culture. These protests are mainly women-led and have taken place all over Iran in more than 30 cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, Ilam, Mahabad, Sari and Tabriz, and Saqez. Several news stations covering these protests have declared them as “peaceful protests” and yet the Iranian authorities are using excessive force and live ammunition when detaining protesters. The authorities have now killed 50 protesters and arrested over 1,500.

Image Courtesy: CNBC

During these protests the powerful words “Women. Life. Freedom.” are being chanted as protesters are using the original chant from Kurdish female fighters. Countless cities outside of Iran have now joined the protests in solidarity with the Iranian women and those who have died at the hands of the authorities for simply fighting for their rights. The United States Secretary of State released statements condemning physical violence towards the women of Iran, the peaceful protesters, and reminding Iranian officials of human dignity. The United Nations has also released a similar statement condemning violence and calling on Iran’s authorities to hold a fair investigation into Mahsa Amini’s cause of death. The Iran Human Rights organization also known as (IHRNGO) has also released a statement that over 30 Iranian citizens have now been murdered in a police investigation regarding these protests. In the latest news, 16-year-old protester Nika Shakarami went missing after protesting in the streets and her deceased body was delivered to her family on what would have been her seventeenth birthday. During these times we must stand in solidarity with the women of Iran and hope for a better change for women's rights.

Strike Out,

Writer: Meagan Planas

Editor: Racquel Gluckstern

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