Acts for and against the government erupted after the death of a woman detained for wearing the Islamic headscarf in an “inappropriate” way.
The government of Iran announced this Saturday (24.Sep.2022) that at least 35 people have died in the protests that have taken to the streets of the country since 16 September. It is the first balance sheet released by Tehran since the acts broke out.
The demonstrations were motivated by the death of a 22-year-old woman who was arrested by Iran’s customs police. She would be wearing the Islamic veil in a “inappropriate”. Mahsa Amini fell into a coma and died 3 days after being detained. The protests started on the day of her funeral.
The episode reignited the debate about women’s rights in the country and the disproportionate repression in case of non-compliance with customs laws. Women on the streets are burning their veils and cutting their hair in protest of restrictions imposed by Tehran.
Among the demands is the ousting of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has served as head of state since 1989.
Opponents of the theocratic Iranian regime accused the government of cutting off the internet for at least 3 days of protests. According to them, the Executive wants to prevent the world from seeing images of the rebellions.
The acts in favor of individual freedoms also led to a counter-offensive by defenders of the government and Muslim traditions. Tehran-sponsored rallies were convened to intimidate government critics.
The uprisings provoked clashes between the groups. Security forces acted to quell the protests.
This Saturday (September 24), Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said that the country needs “decisively deal with those who oppose the security and tranquility of the country”. Raisi also stated that there is a difference between “protests” and “disturbance of public order and security”the latter characterized as “turmoil”.
The head of government gave the statements by telephone to the family of a security agent killed during the uprisings.
State media blamed Kurdish dissidents for initiating the acts. In response, the country’s Revolutionary Guards launched attacks on Iranian militant bases in Kurdish regions in northern Iraq. Tehran ranks the groups “anti-Iran” as “terrorists”.
“These operations will continue to ensure viable border security, punish terrorists, and hold members accountable. [do governo do Curdistão] within the framework of international guidelines”said the Guard.
Iraq also recorded demonstrations over the death of Mahsa Amini. The acts were concentrated in the north of the Arab country.
See images of the acts recorded by Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad:
This is Tehran University, students joined the protest against the murdering of #MahsaAmini by hijab police and chanting:
woman, life, freedom
Iranians are outraged. Yesterday the security forces opened fire at protesters in Saghez city but now Tehran joined the protest. pic.twitter.com/Bf9jcwWICB— Masih Alinejad 🏳️ (@AlinejadMasih) September 18, 2022
This is a Tehran. Women removed their hijab alongside men chanting death of dictator. #MahsaAmini Became a symbol of resistance not only against forced hijab but religious dictatorship.#مهسا_امینی pic.twitter.com/pDjr6uTAAW
— Masih Alinejad 🏳️ (@AlinejadMasih) September 19, 2022
These are the black headscarves waving in the air by university students in Tehran today to protest the killing of #MahsaAmini.
They chant: we don’t want forced hijab.
Hijab is not a choice for Iranian women. It is one of the most visible symbol of oppression for us.#مهسا_امینی pic.twitter.com/SeeYHC19XM— Masih Alinejad 🏳️ (@AlinejadMasih) September 21, 2022
At a metro station in the capital Tehran, a group of men asked “death of traitorous celebrities” who support demonstrations against the regime.
People have gathered in a metro station in Tehran and chant “Death to the traitorous celebrities”.
This is in response to Iranian celebrities who supported the revolt and riots in Iran, orchestrated by anti-Iranian mercenaries. pic.twitter.com/OTsx30orqP
— Arya 🇮🇷 (@AryJeay) September 23, 2022
#Iran #protests #leave #dead #week