At least 50 people have been killed in a confrontation with security forces sparked by protests following the death of Mahsa Amini, a woman arrested by Iranian police.
Mahsa Amini, 22, was detained by “morality police” on 13 September in Tehran for “inappropriate” dress. This police structure is in charge of implementing the strict interpretations of Islamic morality. He is in charge of arresting people, especially women, who violate the conservative dress code in order to “promote virtue and prevent vice”.
Its objective is mainly focused on guaranteeing the observance of the hijabthe veil that covers the hair and discourage the use of cosmetics.
Officers stop women who don’t wear it or wear it incorrectly, assessing whether they show too much hair, their clothes are too short or their pants are too tight, or they wear too much makeup.
According to witnesses, Amini was beaten when she was inside a police van that took her to a detention center.
Three days later he died in hospital. His death has sparked protests in several cities, including the capital Tehran.
Police rejected the allegation, saying she had suffered “sudden heart failure” while waiting with other women at the facility to be “educated”.
In several cities, protesters clashed with security forces, burned police vehicles and chanted anti-government slogans.
In images that have gone viral on social media, Iranian women are seen setting fire to their veils and getting haircuts in the streets.
In Iran, women must cover their hair and are not allowed to wear short or tight coats or jeans with holes.
