Car Checks, Warnings: Pressure Grows on Saqqez Residents ahead of Mahsa Anniversary

Saqqez - Iranian security forces are inspecting vehicles entering and leaving the western Kurdish city of Saqqez as part of increased security measures ahead of the September 16 anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death.

Metal rods fitted with spikes pointing upward have been placed behind concrete blocks at the entrance points of Amini's hometown. 

The Iranian authorities, fearing a flare up in protests ahead of the anniversary of Amini’s death in police custody, have ramped up security measures in Kurdistan province, particularly Saqqez.

Security forces have been visiting shopkeepers in Saqqez who had previously participated in protest strikes to obtain written commitments from them not to shutter their shops in the coming days. 

SMS messages advising shopkeepers against closing their stores have also been sent.

Meanwhile, local residents have been summoned to the intelligence department and required to pledge not to engage in online activities.

In recent days, numerous civil activists were arrested across the country, while civil and political groups, as well as opposition figures, called on Iranians to take to the streets for anti-establishment protests.

The 22-year-old Amini died after falling into a coma following her arrest for not wearing a headscarf "properly," sparking months of nationwide protests.