Women in Iran are cutting their short hair and burning their hijabs in protests over the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died after being arrested in Tehran by Iran’s notorious “morality police” for violating the country’s rules on conservative Islamic behavior and dress.
Here’s the current information regarding Amini’s demise and the public outrage it sparked, along with the unresolved inquiries:
Amini was detained for reportedly violating hijab regulations
Shortly after, it was allegedly stated that she was transported to a medical facility and was apprehended on Tuesday. Amini, who was 22 years old, passed away on Friday in northern Tehran.
Amini experienced several impacts to the head prior to her demise, as stated by London-based broadcaster Iran International.
According to the news source, Amini was apprehended in her sibling’s vehicle while visiting her relatives in the capital. Saqqez, her hometown, is situated in Kurdistan province.
Her dad claims she was fatally assaulted while in custody.
Amini’s family states that she suffered a cardiac arrest due to being transported to a medical facility following the arrest, however, law enforcement officers refute these claims and provide testimony from eyewitnesses who assert that she was physically assaulted by the police while inside the police vehicle.
Senior officials who called President Ebrahim Raisi on Sunday to assure her family that a full investigation into her death would be conducted are promising.
“Your daughter is like my own daughter, and I feel that this incident happened to one of my loved ones,” he said.
Mohseni Ejei, the chief justice of Iran, has also pledged a comprehensive inquiry.
The United Nations demanded a fair investigation into the death of Amini.
Nada Al-Nashif, the interim United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated that it is crucial to promptly, fairly, and efficiently examine the sad demise of Mahsa Amini and the claims of abuse and mistreatment, which should be carried out by an autonomous and capable entity. The declaration underscored the significance of guaranteeing that her relatives can obtain justice and uncover the truth.
The United Nations stated that laws requiring women to cover their heads in public, referred to as a “concern of,” still exist. Furthermore, the police have recently increased street patrols to enforce moral standards.
Demonstrators and loyalists of the government reference compelling visuals of Amini
A rallying call centers around a photograph of Amini, who is in a comatose state in a hospital, for Iranians who desire increased liberties and rights for women.
As part of her apprehension, Iranian authorities disclosed surveillance camera footage taken shortly after her demise. Amini did not experience any physical abuse while in detention, as the authorities have relied on their own visuals to substantiate this claim.
The video shows a woman abruptly collapsing onto a chair while engaged in conversation with a female police officer at the police station, as reported by the state-run IRNA news agency.
Critics demand the disbandment of the moral authorities.
“In the wake of Floyd’s death in police custody, Americans who are advocating for reforms and Iranian demonstrators who desire change are drawing a parallel. British-Iranian actor, Omid Djalili, stated in an online video that this moment is reminiscent of George Floyd’s case in Iran.”
“The rejection of the Islamic Republic is essentially what Amini’s death and ongoing protests against police responses in Iran, included in top hashtags on social media, have been buzzing about on Wednesday morning.”
The supporters of the establishment have been blasting out their own hashtag “My Iran.” However, this current dispute is just a small part of a bigger fight over the national identity of the country. The messages and images featuring patriotic figures highlight just how much this dispute is emphasizing the greater struggle.
Women are setting fire to their hijabs in defiance.
Iranians have been demonstrating for nearly a week, setting fire to headscarves on the streets in solidarity with women, outraged by Amini’s death.
Video shared by BBC lead presenter Rana Rahimpour shows women standing on top of burning police cars, railing against the Islamic Republic.
NPR’s Peter Kenyon stated on Tuesday, “The question at hand is whether this hijab demonstration will remain as such or expand into a broader movement against the government.”
According to the BBC, the protests in Iran have resulted in the reported deaths of at least seven individuals.
Amini represents the current emblem of the suppression of women in Iran
In 2019, a woman named Sahar Khodayari dressed up as a man to sneak into a soccer match and watch it in the stadium.
When the 29-year-old set herself on fire and protested, Khodayari died. She learned that she could spend six months in jail and was arrested by the police.
Each day, females in Iran encounter stringent regulations – and repercussions for violating those regulations – that have incited anger within the nation and beyond, the occurrence.
Gender-based violence against women, including so-called honor killings, continues in Iran, and the country’s laws do little to protect them, experts say.
In response to Amini’s death, Robert Malley, the U.S. Special envoy for Iran, urged the country to enhance safeguards for women, as stated in a tweet.
“Iran must cease its mistreatment of women for exercising their fundamental rights,” Malley stated.