Suspected Murder of Masha Amini Sparks Protests Against Iranian Morality Police
The death of Masha Amini has catapulted Iranians into anti-government protests and demonstrations across the country. Amini visited the capital of Iran, Theran, on Sept. 13, and was arrested and taken into custody by the morality police. After being taken to a detention center, she died three days later in a coma. Her death has triggered many other Iranians to fight back on the morality police and the strict laws they enforce against women.
Women in particular have taken to the streets in as many as 80 cities to fight against the Islamic Republic. Iranian law has adopted strict Islamic policies, especially those to limit women’s rights. Women must dress modest and cover their hair. Amini was caught in violation of the hijab law, as the morality police believed that she was not covering her hair correctly. In protest women have cut and shaven their hair as an act of rebellion against typical beauty standards and to show solidarity towards Amini. Videos online of women taking off their headscarves and taunting the police have also gone viral.
The protests have raged on in the streets and cities for over 10 days. As of Monday, Sept. 26, there have been at least 76 protestors killed, according to Iran Human Rights. The death toll also varies from sites, as the government is not putting out an official total. Iranian officials have also confirmed more than 1,200 people have been arrested.
Videos online have been posted with violent images of the protests which include police firing openly at crowds, tear gas, and pushing and throwing women to the ground
Many more have been injured from the protests but have not gone to hospitals to receive treatment or report their injuries. There is a fear that they will get arrested for being associated with the protests. Journalists, reporters, and those covering the protests have also been arrested.
Internet access has also been blocked. Apps, especially those used for global communication, have stopped working completely or with a sever lag. This makes it hard for those outside of Iran to learn about the protests, and for those inside the country to report on their current state.
The protests are also fueled by those in the Kurdish minority group. The Kurds have been oppressed by Iranian law for years, as they are a stateless nation. Their territory falls between Iran and Iraq, after being exiled by Iran years ago. Amini, being a Kurd herself, gave the Kurds yet another reason to protest; not only are the Kurds protesting for their own rights, but also over the loss of Amini.
Iran has attacked the Iranian Kurds in their land in Iraq, all while the protests continue. Missile and drone strikes have killed 13 people and wounded at least 58.