Iraninan Women Are Cutting Their Hair In Protest After The Death Of Mahsa Amini
Death Of Mahsa Amini Leads To Womens’ Rights Protest Worldwide
Protests erupted in Terhan this week after the death of 22-year-old Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini. Mahsa was arrested on September 13, 2022 by Iran’s “morality police” for not abiding to Islamic dress codes and taken into custody, where she died a few days later after being in a coma. The women of Iran—and now people across the world—are cutting their hair and burning their hijabs in protest against these laws.
Here’s What You Should Know
On September 13, 2022, Mahsa was arrested while traveling with her family to Tehran, the capital of Iran. Under Iranian law, women must cover their hair and neck with a hijab (headscarf.) According to BBC News, “Ms. Amini allegedly had some hair visible under her headscarf when she was arrested by morality police.”
After her arrest, Mahsa’s family says she was beaten by officers while in the police van, says NPR. Mahsa spent three days in the hospital in a coma, where she succumbed to her injuries on September 16. Police deny any mistreatment and instead claim Mahsa died of a heart attack.
Swipe through photos from the protest & support for Mahsa & Iranian women:
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Women Are Cutting Off Their Hair In Protest
Following Mahsa’s death, cities in Iran, like Tehran, Isfahan, Karaj, Mashhad, Rasht, Saqqes and Sanandaj, have people flooding the streets in protest. They shout, “No to the headscarf, no to the turban, yes to freedom and equality!” according to BBC News.
Now, videos are circulating on social media of women removing their hijabs and setting them on fire. Both men and women are sharing TikToks of themselves cutting their hair, in honor of Mahsa, who now symbolizes the gender-based violence against women in Iran.
Tap play below to see how people are protesting by cutting their hair on social media:
@nikaazarriii #mahsaamini #iran #persiantiktok ♬ original sound – em🤍
The Latest Updates: What We Know So Far
Throughout the protests, BBC News has reported that authorities have opened fire on protestors resulting in a reported nine deaths, including that of a 16-year-old boy.
On Tuesday, September 20, Nada Al-Nashif, Acting UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed his concerns: “The authorities must stop targeting, harassing, and detaining women who do not abide by the hijab rules,” said Al-Nashif. He also called for the repeal of all discriminatory laws that mandate the hijab, pushing for women’s freedom.
Women and men around the world are protesting in Mahsa Amini’s honor, and our thoughts go out to her family during this difficult time.