Iranian authorities: "Mahsa Amini's death not caused by blows"

Iran's Forensic Medicine Organization said in its report on Friday that the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody had not been caused by a blow to the head or to other vital organs.

Her death was related to underlying illnesses, including heart rhythm disorder and low blood pressure, and insufficient oxygen to the brain, the report concluded.

"Amini experienced sudden heart rhythm disorder and loss of consciousness due to her chronic illness and inability to cope with the situation she was facing. Amini was suffering from cerebral hypoxia as a result of insufficient intervention at the time of the incident," it said.

Twenty-two-year-old Mahsa Amini died in hospital on 16 September, three days after she was arrested by the "morality police" over allegedly violating hijab rules and taken to a detention center for "education." Her family and many people in Iran believe that her death was caused by the violence she was subjected to in custody.

Protests that began over Amini's death continue in Iran, and many protesters have been killed in separate incidents, while hundreds of people have been arrested.

Independent news outlet Iran Wire put the fatalities over 150 on Friday, including at least nine teenagers.

One of the victims is sixteen-year-old Nika Shakarami, who according to Iranian authorities died when she fell from a building, and whose remains were buried in an undisclosed place after her family defied Iranian officials' demand not to hold a public funeral procession. Nika's family say the authorities and state media try to cover up her death.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian warned the European Union against any political action over the case of Mahsa Amini and the following demonstrations, saying that Iran will reciprocate in case of such an action.

He made the comment in a phone conversation with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell, a day after Borrell said that the EU is weighing restrictive measures.

Borrell earlier said: "Following her [Mahsa Amini] passing – should I say, her killing – we have seen a wave of indignation and outrage turning into nation-wide protests in Iran. Iranians - and especially young Iranians - have taken to the streets to express their anger, their aspirations for a better future free from oppression."

He added:

"We will continue to consider all the options at our disposal, including restrictive measures, to address the killing of Mahsa Amini and the way Iranian security forces have been responding to the demonstrations."