At least 15 killed, 700 injured in Iran as protests over Mahsa's death in custody spread

At least 15 killed, 700 injured in Iran as protests over Mahsa's death in custody spread
Publish:
Update: 24 September 2022 00:57
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Hundreds of people have been arrested in demonstrations staged in 80 cities, while internet access has been disrupted and journalists warned not to report on protests.

At least 15 people were killed, over 700 were injured, and hundreds were arrested in Iran as protests over the death of Mahsa Amini in custody have been staged in more than 80 cities, according to reports by Hengaw Organization for Human Rights and independent news outlet Iran Wire.

BBC put the fatalities in protests at 30 on late Friday.

People in different neighborhoods of Tehran, including Valiasr, Nazi Abad, Tehran Pars, Jomhouri Street, Quds Square, Sattar Khan, Hafez, Zafaranieh, Tajrish, and Robat Karim took to the streets chanting "Death to Khamenei" and "Death to the dictator", Iran Wire said.

The protesters in Pakdasht resisted against the police who tried to disperse them, and the roads were blocked in other parts of Tehran.

In the city of Qarchak, protesters broke into the governor's office.

While internet access was disrupted and social media sites blocked to access during the protests, journalists and media figures have been reportedly warned to stay at home and not cover the protests,

22-year-old Mahsa Amini quickly became a symbol of defiance against oppression in Iran following her death in custody on 16 September, only a few days after she was arrested by the so-called "morality police" for allegedly failing to adhere to hijab (headscarf) rules. As authorities claim that she died from underlying health reasons, her family and many Iranians believe that she died as a result of the violence she was subjected to.