Iranians Mark Six Months Since Amini’s Death With New Protests

Thousands of Iranians have marked six months since the death of Mahsa Amini by gathering at the graves of victims of the authorities’ brutal crackdown on the protest movement triggered by the young woman’s killing in police custody.

The protesters on March 16 paid tribute to those who had died in recent demonstrators, chanting slogans against the Islamic Republic, despite the heavy presence of security forces.

According to reports and videos circulating online, rallies were held at cemeteries in multiple cities across the country, including Kermanshah, Rasht, Anzali, Ahvaz, Tabriz, Javanrud, Mahabad, Isfahan, Samirom, Diwandareh, Shahinshahr, Fuman, Lahijan, Shiraz, Eshtehard and Kamiyaran.

Clashes were reported between security forces and protesters in Tehran’s Behesht Zahra cemetery, as well as in Mashhad, Sanandaj, Arak and Karaj.

Iran has been swept by popular protests demanding fundamental economic, social and political changes in the country since Amini’s death on September 16. The 22-year-old woman had been arrested for allegedly wearing a hijab improperly.

Security forces have cracked down hard on the women-led protest movement, killing more than 520 demonstrators and unlawfully detaining over 20,000, activists say. Following biased trials, the judiciary has handed down stiff sentences, including the death penalty, to protesters.