Mahsa Amini. Photo: Instagram.com
Over the past week, Instagram accounts across the world have been flashing shocking images and videos of protests in Iran post the heartbreaking death of Mahsa Amini. The 22-year-old passed away on Friday, September 16, after being beaten on the head earlier the same week by Iran’s “morality police” for wearing her hijab “incorrectly”.
According to reports, Amini, who hailed from Saqqez in Kurdistan, was caught out by the authorities—who are commonly also known as the “hijab police”—while visiting family in Tehran. After being arrested by the hijab enforcement officers, Amini was taken to the Vozara street detention centre, where she was said to be “convinced and educated” about the importance of the hijab. The treatment that followed led the young woman to be rushed to the hospital, where she showed concussion-like symptoms before falling into a coma, and finally being declared brain dead.
While Iranian authorities continue to insist that Mahsa Amini’s death was caused by a sudden heart problem, the news of her brutal experience has sparked protests across the nation, and even led to three protestors being killed during a police riot on Monday. Videos of the uprise show hoards of people chanting on the streets of western Iran, throwing stones in Divandarreh, and being fired at by the police. Additional footage also shows women removing their headscarves while shouting out “death to the dictator”, referring to the leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
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As voices continue to highlight the injustice against women, and the ongoing need for society, governments and organizations to dictate how women dress, several public personalities have also joined the fight for justice for Mahsa. Her Imperial Majesty Empress Farah Pahlavi said, “Following an announcement by Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, I also declare Sept. 18 and 19 national days of mourning in memory of Zhina and all Iranian children who have lost their lives.” Iranian artist Shirin Neshat took to Instagram to share visuals from the protests, writing, “Power to Iranian women who are leading a potential revolution in their country!!! Victory to every brave women fighting against dictatorship and oppression. You are the hope for a better future and an inspiration to your people.” Neshat also took the time out to speak to Vogue Arabia about the event, saying, “Iranian women may be the first to lead a revolution in the history of mankind. I’m proud of being an Iranian woman and beyond moved by the courage of Iranian men and women, risking their lives by protesting on the streets of Iran so one day all Iranians can see an end to this horrific dictatorship.”
Also joining them were Palestinian-American supermodel Bella Hadid, who posted the complete story with her 54.8 millions followers, saying, “This is a devastating and shocking story of a woman who was allegedly beaten and killed for wearing her hijab ‘ incorrectly’. Mahsa Amini was taken by ‘ morality police’ to be educated about the hijab and never made it back alive. #mahsaamini”.
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Hadid was joined by Iranian actor Golshifteh Farahani, who has been using her public platforms to educate her followers about why it’s important for everyone to speak up today, before another crime is committed. “The biggest fight of resistance for equal rights between men and women is happening right now in Iran. Women in Iran simply die for their hair being out. Join. Support. Share. #mahsaamini died 5 days ago because of her hair not being covered properly,” the star wrote.
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Along with them, several sportspeople have also gone on record to talk about the “disgraceful death” of Amini, including Iranian footballers Ali Karimi and Ali Daei, Voria Ghafouri, Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Ehsan Hajsafi (who have both now deleted their posts), Sardar Azmoun, Masoud Shojaei, and Maryam Tousi. While the outpouring of support the Amini family has received won’t undo the injustice done to their daughter, it does lead us towards, hopefully, a brighter future, where women’s empowerment needn’t be a fatal battle.
