IRGC Deploys Heavily Armed Forces in Saqqez

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has deployed heavily armed forces to Shahnaz Square, the heart of Mahsa Amini’s home town of Saqqez, where they are conducting inspections and questioning residents on the one-year anniversary of her death.

Shahnaz Square is in the Karimabad district, which was the epicentre of citywide protests in Saqqez last year. 

The protests were sparked by the death of Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who died in police custody after being arrested for wearing her headscarf “improperly”.

According to local sources, the IRGC military personnel present include individuals ranging from children under 15 years old to elderly citizens. 

They are positioned along Vahdat Boulevard, at the three-way junction near the city’s hospital and in close proximity to Zindan Square.

Despite these obstacles, people are 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 cemetery.