Iran: Death of Mahsa Amini sparks antigovernment protests
Antigovernment protests have broken out across Iran following the death of a 22-year-old Kurdish woman while in police custody. Mahsa Amini was reportedly arrested in Tehran by Iran’s morality police for violating the country’s dress code on Sept. 13. Amini died on Sept. 16 after spending three days in a coma. Yahoo News explains how the protests spread and how the Iranian government is cracking down on dissent.
Video transcript
- Anti-government protests have broken out across Iran following the death of a 22-year-old Kurdish woman while in police custody. Mahsa Amini was reportedly with her brother in Tehran on September 13th when she was arrested by Iran's morality police for violating dress code. According to reports, she had her hair visible from underneath her hijab. Amini died on September 16th after spending three days in a coma.
The news of Amini's death has sparked nationwide anger. Thousands of women have taken to the streets of Iran and so far at least 17 people have died as a result of clashes between security forces and demonstrators. In response, Iran's government has blocked nearly all internet access to civilians in an attempt to clamp down on the anti-government demonstrations. Before the internet blackout, footage had been circulating on social media showing women burning their headscarves on bonfires. While others cut off their hair in protest over Amini's death. The UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif called for Amini's death to be investigated after reports that the morality police beat Amini with a baton and knocked her head against a vehicle.
RAVINA SHAMDASANI: Miss Amini's tragic death and allegations of torture and ill treatment must be promptly, impartially, and effectively investigated by an independent, competent authority, that ensures in particular that her family has access to justice and the truth.
- Police in Iran, however, deny any mistreatment and claim Amini suffered sudden heart failure.
