Iran: 3 Killed in Mahsa Amini Protests
On Tuesday, an Iranian governor confirmed that at least three people have died during protests over the death of a woman in the custody of its so-called morality police, or Gasht-e Ershad.
Facts
- On Tuesday, an Iranian governor confirmed that at least three people have died during protests over the death of a woman in the custody of its so-called morality police, or Gasht-e Ershad.
- The 22-year old Kurdish woman, Mahsa Amini, was arrested last week on charges of wearing an "improper hijab." She died on Friday allegedly after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest.
- Tehran's police chief says the death was an "unfortunate" incident, and denied accusations that she was physically harmed by officers. However, her family reportedly denies that she had a pre-existing heart condition, and protesters claim she was tortured and killed.
- As demonstrations swept across the country for a fourth day on Tuesday, Iranian authorities begun apprehending demonstrators. It remains unclear, however, how many arrests have been made.
- Pres. Ebrahim Raisi has promised to investigate the incident. The UN, however, has called for an independent investigation.
- The Gasht-e-Ershad is responsible for enforcing an Islamic Sharia based-law that made it compulsory for women in Iran to cover their hair and bodies in a conservative manner after the 1979 Islamic revolution.
Sources: Al Jazeera, CNN, Washington Post, Iran Internacional, and Observers.
Narratives
- Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Tehran Times. While a probe into this case must certainly be opened, it's ironic that one of the loudest voices calling for an independent investigation is the US. Not only because it failed to demand a formal investigation when Israeli troops killed Abu Akleh, but also due to its own widespread police violence that has seen many unjustly killed.
- Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Time. Iran's system is rotten and this death is another example of how the Iranian regime treats its own citizens as well as its disregard for the rule of law. If left to Iran, Amini's death will be investigated by the untrustworthy authorities that ordered the morality police to enforce hijab rules, while corruption, gambling, and prostitution go unpunished.
