Iran in the Aftermath of Mahsa Amini’s Tragic Death
Mahsa Amini’s death shocked the world this past September. Since her death on September 16th, mass protests have been overflowing across the globe. The 22-year-old died after being detained by the Iranian morality police for disobeying the strict dress code laws in place for women—which include wearing a hijab or headscarf and wearing loose clothing that covers the whole body. Witnesses claim to have seen Amini brutally beaten while transported to the detention center during the arrest. Three days later, Amini passed away while in a coma. The Iranian officials have denied abusing the young woman and explained her death as a pre-existing health crisis, saying she died of a heart attack. Amini’s family renounced these claims, stating she was in good health before the arrest. Experts from the United Nations cite some reports stating Amini died due to torment and mistreatment inflicted by Iranian officials. The suspicious death has allowed Iranians to speak out against the Islamic Republic for the first time in years. Iranians peacefully protested the lack of women’s rights by marching the streets of big cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, and Tabriz. Iranian women from around the world have shown their support by burning hijabs and cutting their hair.
Despite these protests being peaceful, the Iranian government still used excessive force by firing birdshot and other metal pellets to detain protesters. Since the demonstrations began about five months ago, Human Rights Activists in Iran, a United States-based group, say that as of January 7th, at least 517 protesters have been killed, and over 19,200 people have been arrested. New York Times “The Daily” co-host Sabrina Tavernise shared with podcast listeners just how difficult it has been to reach anyone in Iran for statements regarding the current state of Iran. This is primarily due to the government, as they continuously prevent the spread of information by conducting widespread internet blackouts and threatening Iranians with more harsh punishments. Since the beginning of 2023, at least 107 Iranians have been at risk of the death penalty due to protesting. It’s clear that the Iranian authorities are using the death penalty to inflict fear upon their people.
Even months later, with the ongoing mayhem, Iranians are enraged and yearn to feel heard by the rest of the world. Iranian Americans have expressed their thoughts concerning the matter. Elina Emami, a 19-year-old student at the University of California Berkeley, felt despair when she learned of Amini’s murder. “As an Iranian myself, her death is so incredibly painful. It hurts to see how much my people are suffering under the current regime,” Emami said. “Being that she was only 22, just a few years older than me, is something I can’t wrap my head around. However, her death has triggered a revolution.”
It is so much deeper than just the killing of a young girl for many Iranians. Sarvenaz Rashvand, a 33-year-old project manager in pharmaceuticals, explained why she believes Amini’s death specifically was such a big deal, despite several similar cases in Iran prior. “The reason that this time people are taking action is that the government has done so many things and made people’s life miserable in every single aspect. Millions of people in Iran are below the poverty line, the economy is terrible, there are shortages in medical supplies, and healthcare is ridiculously expensive,” Rashvand said. “With all of that going on, the young generation lost hope, and that’s why they started these demonstrations.” It’s clear how passionate Rashvand is about the rights of the Iranian people. She grew angry as the discussion of the U.N.’s role arose. “I feel very disappointed by the United Nations. They only give statements and have never taken any action. The U.N. receives all these funds yearly to take action but has never done a single thing for Iran,” Said Rashvand. “The issue of human rights in Iran is not new. It has always been going on, and I'm sure the U.N. is aware of that.”
Kima Kashi, an interior designer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, feels highly disappointed by the U.N. and other nations worldwide. “Every nation helped with the crisis in Ukraine. The fact that hundreds of thousands of people are dying in Iran, and no one is helping, let alone spreading the word, is disgraceful,” Kashi said. Kashi expressed how the American news media has continuously disappointed her, along with many other Iranians. “Freedom is a birthright, and all the women and people of Iran that are sacrificing their own lives for this change are so impactful,” Kashi said. “It has happened in the past, but nothing to this magnitude, and the fact that the Iranian people haven’t backed down is everything. More the reason why the media needs to give it more attention.” Kashi urges Americans and people all over the world to get involved and help the Iranian people’s cause. “I hope for those with a platform to use it. Get out there, sign petitions, and reach out to Iranian activists to get true information. Remember, women, life, freedom.” said Kashi.
Strike out,
Lili Jahromi
Boca Raton
Lili Jahromi is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. She spends an unnecessary amount of her time idolizing Lady Gaga, sharing intimate moments with her friends, and beachin’ it with her b*tches. You can reach her at jahromilrose@yahoo.com
