Romana
RebeccaMass demonstrations have been going on in Iran for a month. First women and girls took to the streets, and later it grew in numbers with other students and support for the cause.
The protests were triggered by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini. The police arrested her for not having her head properly covered with a headscarf. She died three days after her arrest.
Last Wednesday the Iranian climber Elnaz Rekabi was greeted as a hero by a crowd of young people upon her arrival home after competing in South Korea without a hijab. For her statement that she uncovered her head by accident, people who are well-informed of this situation claim that she was extorted.
Iran has strict religious rules. Many of these rules regulate the behavior of women. They must wear hijab in public. This Muslim headscarf must cover the head, hair and neck, but the face can be uncovered.
A special police unit checks whether citizens are following the rules. Mahsa was arrested because her headscarf did not fully cover her hair.
The cause of death was determined to be heart problems, but Mahsa was young and healthy. Therefore, her family did not agree with the police’s explanation. They claim that she was beaten in prison.
Her death upset many. Protests broke out across many cities in Iran. At the protests women have been exposing their hair and burning hijabs. Some even cut their hair to make a statement.
Many in Iran wish the religious rules were not so strict. They also want a better life. Prices are high, yet many are unemployed. Western countries have already introduced economic sanctions against Iran years ago. They want to prevent the country from developing nuclear weapons.
The police use water cannons and rubber bullets against the protesters.
Hundreds have been arrested, hundreds have been injured, and at least a hundred people have died.
Points to Consider
- What do you know about Iran?
- Is it permissible for the police to check how citizens are dressed?
- Have you ever been to a protest?
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The original version of this article was published on October 25th.
Mateja
Rok
