At least 31 people have been killed in the crackdown by Iranian security forces on the protests against Islamic laws which erupted after the custodial death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini.
According to the director of Iran Human Rights (IHR), an Oslo-based NGO, “The people of Iran have come to the streets to achieve their fundamental rights and human dignity… and the government is responding to their peaceful protest with bullets”. The protests have advanced to more than 30 cities and other urban centers, the NGO confirmed in a statement.
At the same time the Iranian Army said that it will “confront the enemies” to ensure security, the toughest warning yet to nationwide protesters enraged by the death of a woman held by police, Reuters reported. The same report mentions an announcement made by the army that “ these desperate actions are part of the evil strategy of the enemy to weaken the Islamic regime”.
With the rising protests across the country, Iranian citizens’ access to social media platforms such as Whatsapp and Instagram have been restricted by the authorities to stop the further surge.
The protest originated with the custodial death of Mahsa Amini who was beaten by Iran’s Morality Police previously known as “Gasht-e Ershad” (Guidance Patrols). The morality police arrested the 22-year-old for her unsuitable attire-not wearing the hijab. Huge protests erupted aftermath with Iranian women publicly burning their headscarves, and cutting off their hair in order to show their solidarity with the victim.
