Mahsa Amini, a 22 year old Iranian woman, died on September 16th while in custody of the Iranian morality police.

Tensions in Iran are currently heating up in the fight for women’s rights and freedoms, with protests that started due to one woman’s death: Mahsa Amini. Amini passed away after her arrest by Iranian morality police.  Since the protests started because of Amini’s death, they called these protests part of the Mahsa Amini project. 

Why are Iranians so upset? 

1. The police announced an allegedly fake reason for her death
2. The only reason that the police arrested Amini was for not wearing her hijab the ‘correct’ way. 
3. The leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei, is extremely strict on women wearing the hijab.

After Khamenei was chosen as the leader of Iran, he made very severe laws about women wearing hijabs. He pushed for the implementation of the morality police; they aren’t just normal police that go around and catch criminals. They manage women’s outfits and hijabs. The morality polices are the ones who arrested Mahsa Amini. 

So, one would think this would pose the question: This isn’t the women’s first time speaking out about wearing hijabs in Iran, right? In fact, there have been many previous protests in Iran not only about hijabs but the country’s severe religious law. A previous protest on hijabs, the “Girls of England Protest,” happened during 2017-2019.

Social studies teacher, Mrs. Fredrickson, shared her opinion about the protests in Iran, stating, “More women should stand up for rights and freedom. Also, the men who have more privilege in Iran should help out the women.” However, Mrs. Fredrickson is not sure yet if this protest could change severe law in Iran, since “the law is so strict.”  Here is an actual interview of the protester : https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-63227238

The Amini protests originally started by protesting wearing hijabs. However, as the protests go on, hundreds of people have died; it has turned into anti-government protests as well. Iranian military then started shooting at protestors. Now, Iranian women are expressing their anger by cutting their hair and burning portraits of leader Ali Khamenei. The people of Iran ultimately hope the future will bring freedom and equality for the country’s women.