Security Boosted around Amini Family’s Home in Saqqez

Saqqez - Iranian armed forces have been heavily deployed around the home of Mahsa Amini's parents in the western Kurdish city of Saqqez amid increased measures to prevent new protests on the first anniversary of the young woman’s death in police custody.

In University Street, the main thoroughfare in the neighborhood where the Amini family lives, local residents reported that security forces are stationed every few meters.

There is a heavy presence of special forces personnel on foot, motorcycles and in cars across Amini’s hometown, and water cannons have been deployed in some areas.

Military personnel are positioned on top of Tepeh Qawkh, a hill overlooking Saqqez, while local residents witnessed a surge in helicopter activity over the city. 

The Iranian authorities, fearing a flare up in protests ahead of the September 16 anniversary of Amini’s death, have ramped up security measures across the country, particularly Kurdistan province.

Activists and ordinary citizens have been arrested or summoned by security authorities in recent days, while cities have experienced a significant slowdown in internet speed. 

Sources in Mashhad, Tabriz, Sanandaj and Zahedan also reported an increased presence of security forces in these cities. 

Members of the paramilitary Basij force are patrolling busy areas of Mashhad, and its main squares are filled with special forces on motorcycles, a resident of the northeastern city told IranWire.