Iran: Woman Dies After Alleged Thrashing by 'Morality Police' Over Hijab
Dubai: A young Iranian woman has died after falling into a coma following her detention by morality police enforcing Iran's strict hijab rules, sparking protests by Iranians on social media and on the streets on Friday.
In the past few months, Iranian rights activists have urged women to publicly remove their veils, a gesture that would risk their arrest for defying the Islamic dress code as the country's hardline rulers crack down harder on "immoral behaviour".
Videos posted on social media have shown cases of what appeared to be heavy-handed action by morality police units against women who had removed their hijab.
Authorities launched probes into the death of Mahsa Amini following a demand by President Ebrahim Raisi, state media reported. Police said the 22-year-old was taken ill as she waited together with other detained women at a morality police station.
I call on all woman in the world; say her name. Mahsa Amini, 22, was murdered by hijab police in Iran.
Her family confirmed that she was beaten by police for the crime of wearing “bad hijab”.
Please join us in sharing her name & story.#مهسا_امینی pic.twitter.com/zTHUZZbKQu
— Masih Alinejad 🏳️ (@AlinejadMasih) September 16, 2022
Mahsa Amini’s death after injuries sustained in custody for an “improper” hijab is appalling. Our thoughts are with her family. Iran must end its violence against women for exercising their fundamental rights. Those responsible for her death should be held accountable #مهسا_امینی
— Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley (@USEnvoyIran) September 16, 2022
The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.
