Security Forces Block Routes to Amini’s Grave

Iranian armed security forces are stopping people from entering Aichi cemetery in Mahsa Amini’s home town of Saqqez to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the young woman’s death in police custody, IranWire reports.

The Western Kurdish city had anticipated marking the anniversary at 9 am, with the focal point of the commemoration set to be Zindan Square. 

But an eerie silence shrouded the city in the early morning hours as roads were cordoned off and public squares inundated by a formidable presence of security agents.

As groups of people embarked on their way towards Aichi cemetery, Amini’s final resting place, they were met with a show of force by heavily armed officers. 

In various locations the officers barred passage to ordinary citizens, and they dispersed multiple groups along routes leading to Zindan Square, effectively obstructing their progress towards the cemetery. 

In addition to the numerous officers deployed on Zindan Square, groups of motorcyclists cruised along Enghelab Boulevard, the route leading to the square. Their actions effectively prevented citizens from advancing.

Despite these obstacles, individuals were determined to pay their respects to Amini, exhibiting unwavering resolve. 

Their determination prompted them to chart an alternative route through the villages of Khider and Hijanan towards Aichi. 

A nearby dam's gates were unexpectedly opened overnight, transforming the once-dry river into a surging body of water.

Along this alternative path people now face the challenge of fording the river on their route to Aichi.