On the one-year anniversary of the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, Iranian authorities have detained her father, Amjad Amini, triggering protests and a heavy security presence in several Iranian cities. Mahsa Amini died while in the custody of Iran's morality police in September 2022 after being arrested for an alleged violation of headscarf regulations. Her death led to widespread demonstrations in Iran, and her family's ongoing struggles have kept the issue in the spotlight, CNN reported.
Maziar Bahari, an Iranian journalist and the founder of "IranWire," revealed that Amjad Amini, the father of Mahsa, had been repeatedly summoned by security officers following his daughter's death. On the anniversary of Mahsa's passing, Amjad was detained for several hours. According to IranWire, Mahsa's family had visited her grave in the western Kurdish city of Saqqez on the eve of the anniversary of her death. The visit was marked by a significant security presence, with helicopters hovering over the cemetery and military personnel and police officers stationed in the area.
Protests and Heavy Security Presence
Protests erupted in various Iranian cities on the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death, with authorities deploying armed guards to demonstrate their presence. Videos obtained by CNN showed demonstrations taking place in Tehran, Mashad, Ahvaz, Lahijan, Arak, and the Kurdish city of Sanandaj. The protesters chanted slogans such as "Women, Life, Freedom," which has become a rallying cry since Mahsa's death. Some demonstrators also chanted slogans against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
In response to the anniversary and the detention of Amjad Amini, at least 13 Kurdish cities in the province where Mahsa hailed from went on strike, as reported by the Kurdish rights group Hengaw.
Background on Mahsa Amini's Death
Mahsa Amini's death last year triggered significant protests in Iran, which grew into a broader social movement, addressing issues including the treatment of women by the regime. The Iranian government responded with a harsh crackdown, leading to hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests. The UN reported over 300 deaths in the protests, while the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency estimated the number to be over 500, including children. Additionally, Iran executed seven protesters for their involvement in the unrest.
Despite reports of Amjad Amini's detention, Iranian authorities have strongly denied these allegations. The state media news outlet IRNA labeled these reports as "false" on Telegram.
Earlier Daryo reported that security forces have intensified their presence in Mahsa Amini's hometown as the one-year anniversary of her tragic death approaches. The heightened security measures aim to preempt potential protests and unrest, with reports from witnesses, social media, and human rights organizations confirming these preparations in recent days.
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