On Saturday, September 16th, security forces in Iran were deployed to the hometown of Mahsa Amini in Saqeez, Iran. This move was made to preempt any potential unrest during the commemoration of the one-year anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death.
The passing of Mahsa Amini sent shockwaves around the world as it was alleged that she had been brutally beaten by the police for not adhering to Iran’s strict dress code regulations. This incident resulted in the young Iranian woman falling into a coma and ultimately succumbing to her injuries on September 16, 2022. It was this tragic event that sparked public protests and led to widespread turmoil.
According to human rights groups, at least 500 people, including 71 minors, lost their lives, hundreds were injured, and thousands were arrested during the protests, which were eventually quelled by security forces.
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An outspoken human rights activist noted the significant presence of security forces in the Kurdistan region, the birthplace of Mahsa Amini. “There is a significant presence of security forces in the birthplace of Amini in Kurdistan,” the activist reported, as cited by JawaPos.com from The Guardian on Saturday, September 16th.
However, despite these security measures, some women continue to appear in public without wearing the mandatory hijab, particularly in traditionally more liberal areas in northern Tehran. Currently, the conservative-dominated parliament is debating a proposed law that could impose even harsher penalties on those who defy these regulations.
The Islamic Republic is actively striving to introduce new legislation concerning women’s and girls’ rights, signaling its ongoing efforts to address these critical issues.
