What’s happening in Iran?

On September 16th, a 22-year-old woman named Mahsa Amini was killed for wearing a hijab incorrectly. Witness reports say she was beaten to death by the Iranian morality police. They, denying the allegations, claimed that she died of a heart attack. This sparked outrage and protests nationwide, and protesters soon started rallying. The first protests at Mahsa Amini’s funeral, where women tore off their own hijabs in solidarity, initiated a freedom movement not just across the country but worldwide. Protesters still continue to rally, unifying not just for social restrictions, but for a collapsing economy, and government corruption.

They continue to show their support and outrage by burning hijabs, cutting their hair, and fighting back against the government, even when police started to get even more brutal. Protests in more areas such as universities, surrounding cities, and even other countries. Thousands of protesters have been arrested, including at least 51 journalists, and many are being put on trial right now.

How is everything developing? What is foreseen to happen?

The longer protesters march, the harsher the Iranian government becomes. As of now, there are at least 304 confirmed deaths, including 24 women and 41 children. Not only that, but the first court cases for the protesters are beginning to wrap up. They are being charged with “waging war on god”, and “corruption on earth”, given 10+ years in prison, or even sentenced to death. The UN has responded to this, saying, ❝We urge Iranian authorities to stop using the death penalty as a tool to squash protests and reiterate our call to immediately release all protesters who have been arbitrarily deprived of their liberty for the sole reason of exercising their legitimate rights to freedom of opinion and expression, association and peaceful assembly and for their actions to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms through peaceful means❞

How can we show support/help? Why is it important that we do?

It is important to stand with the people of Iran, especially during this time of injustice, censorship, and rapid change. So, you may be wondering, what can I do? Well, there are many different charities you can contribute to, such as the Abdorrahman Boroumand Center for Human Rights in Iran, Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI), and United for Iran. You can also join rallies and protests, many are taking place in cities such as New York, and Los Angeles. Many online social media movements have arisen, including women from all over the world cutting their hair in solidarity. You don’t have to cut your hair, but you can help spread awareness for the people in Iran by informing your friends and family about the story of Mahsa Amini.