Protests in Iran intensify over death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini

A US-based media report said that after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini who was detained by Iran’s morality police Iranian women step out to protest. The ongoing protests in Iran intensified on Wednesday as demonstrators hurled stones at security forces.

The protestors burned vehicles and chanted anti-government slogans as the oppression against strict dress codes for women continued in Iran. CBS reported that police used tear gas and arrested to disperse crowds of up to 1,000 people on Wednesday as street rallies spread to 15 cities.

As per reports, Mahsa Amini, 22, was on a visit to Tehran with her family when the specialist police unit detained her. During detention after some time, she suffered a heart attack and was immediately taken to hospital with the cooperation of the emergency services. The announcement of her death came a day after Tehran police confirmed Amini had been detained with other women for “instruction” about the rules.

Mahsa Amini’s murder seems to be a turning point for Iranians and the tipping point for the Islamic Republic. Muslim women of Iran are seen burning hijabs and cutting hair to protest against the killing of Mahsa Amini claiming freedom. It is the first time since 1979 that we see women coming out to the streets in such large numbers to protest against the compulsory hijab and gender apartheid regime.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi ordered the interior minister to open an inquiry into the case. According to reports, Amini’s death comes amid growing controversy both inside and outside Iran over the conduct of the morality police, known formally as the Gasht-e Ershad (Guidance Patrol). The mandatory dress code, which applies to all nationalities and religions, not just Iranian Muslims, requires women to conceal their hair and neck with a headscarf.

Over the decades, women have increasingly pushed back, particularly in the big cities, wearing their headscarves far back on their heads to reveal their hair. According to reports, four people were killed in the last two days, bringing the total death toll to eight, including a member of the police and a pro-government militia member.