Iran has cracked down on nationwide protests after the first death anniversary of Mahsa Amini
Security forces in Iran have cracked down on protests held in the Kurdish areas of the country. They had temporarily detained Mahsa Amini’s father as well. Mahsa Amini died a year ago in custody. Her death set off the worst political unrest in the country.
IRNA, the Iranian news agency, reported that the National Guards had detained a dual national. They were detained on charges of inciting unrest and sabotage. This arrest was part of detaining other counter-revolutionaries and terrorists.
Over the weekend, Iranian forces detained large masses in the Kurdish areas. Human rights groups report confrontations between the protestors and the security forces.
Morality police in Iran arrested 22-year-old Mahsa Amini last year. She was allegedly flouting the mandatory dress code. Amini died in custody last year. Her demise triggered the biggest protests against the Islamic Republic Shi’ite clergy. The death of Amini drew international scrutiny.
IRNA reported that female convicts had lit their clothes on fire at the Qarchak Prison in Tehran. There were no reported casualties. The female convicts were awaiting execution while locked up in the prison.
The Human Rights Network of Kurdistan states that the prison incident is related to the protests. Special forces allegedly entered the female ward, beat the prisoners, and fired pellet blasts at them.
In a separate incident, security forces opened fire in the Kurdish city of Mahabad. The incident wounded one individual. There were also reports of individuals sustaining injuries in the city of Kermanshah. However, the matter is not confirmed.
Protests in Iran
Saqez, in northwestern Iran, reported that police shot a man with a pellet gun after ignoring warnings. He was hospitalised. The authorities are awaiting further news. Amini was a resident of Saqez.
Social media posts show protestors chanting slogans such as “Death to the Dictator” against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Amjad Amini, father of Mahsa Amini, was warned about marking her death anniversary before being released from custody. Her family was unable to hold a vigil for her.