Women's Rights Protests in Iran
By The Editorial Team
Citizens sticking together at the protests.
Photo courtesy of The New York Times
The Women’s Rights protests began as a civilian-run protest against the Iranian government. On September 16th, 2022, 22-year-old Mahsa Amini was taken by Iranian authorities when visiting the capital of the country for wearing her hijab in an “improper” manner, which they deemed immodest. Iran has a law that requires all women to wear their hijabs in public. Wearing a hijab became a requirement after The Islamic Revolution in 1979. The government took to the Quran (the holy book of Islam), when they had to backup their reasoning for the law. However, many argue that it is not explicitly stated that a woman must wear a veil in the Quran. Regardless, the Islamic dress code has been enforced daily by Iran’s morality police. Women are upset because the act of wearing a hijab or a veil in general, should be a decision made by the person themselves, and not their government.
According to eyewitnesses, Mahsa was beaten brutally by police officers in a van, and these injuries later resulted in her unfortunate death. However, officials reported that she had passed away from a “sudden heart attack,” but her family says she was completely healthy prior to the incident. As soon as people heard, it sparked outrage. Protests led by women began, where they currently bring citizens together.
Women holding a picture of Mahsa Amini during their peaceful protests
Photo courtesy of USA Today
The Iranian government’s reaction to the outroar was the application of censorship to their nation and removing the use of internet services and social media platforms across the country, blocking their connection to the outside world and to each other. The freedom of citizens is being robbed and so are their use of platforms to speak out about the unjust laws hidden under the pretense of religion. Women of Iran should not have to fight so hard to have the same equal rights as men.
Following Amini's death, on September 20th, 2022, 16-year-old Nika Shakarami was beaten to death by the Iranian police force. According to The Guardian and ABC News, Nika was using her voice against the government, through her action of burning her hijab in protest, which led to her death. Nonetheless, the police made claims that it was suicide. Her family hadn’t heard from her for eight days until they were finally contacted.
Photo courtesy of CBS News
Photo courtesy of Metro
Adding to these dramatic incidents, on September 23rd, 2022, Sarina Esmailzadeh, 16 years old, was beaten to death by authorities as well. Sarina had a social platform on YouTube, which she used to voice out her opinions. Her death however, was ruled as a suicide as well.
Officials are accused of making false claims and also trying to cover up these young women’s deaths and not take responsibility for their actions. The many strong women of Iran are doing their best to fight their controlling government, but many are getting killed for expressing their distaste for the nation’s laws.
Mahsa Amini’s death has brought attention to Iran’s corrupt government, and its own citizens and people around the world are terrified for the country’s future and worry it won’t stop anytime soon. According to PBS NewsHour, a human rights group reports 233 deaths in Iran as protests enter their 5th week, and it’s not going to slow down any time soon.
Women cutting their hair in protest.
Photo courtesy of Today
As the world watches this unfold, we can only wish for the best for Iran’s citizens and its nation. For the many deaths that have occurred, we wish peace for them and their families.
Cover photo courtesy of LAist
Banner courtesy of CNN