Her arrest for “improper veiling” and subsequent death after severe mistreatment set off a wave of protests across Iran, with citizens condemning the regime’s systematic violence and repression, especially toward women.
Amini was visiting Tehran with her family when she was detained by the Morality Police near the Haqqani metro station on September 13, 2022. Her brother, Kiarash, attempted to prevent the arrest, but both were met with violence, including the use of tear gas. Mahsa was told she would be released after attending a “re-education” session at the detention center. However, just two hours later, Kiarash learned that his sister had fallen into a coma, and she passed away three days later, on September 16.
Eyewitnesses in the Vozara detention center reported that despite pleas for help, the police remained indifferent until Mahsa collapsed, appearing pale and unresponsive. The authorities’ delayed response, combined with the accounts of excessive force used on detainees, painted a grim picture of Mahsa’s final hours. Following Mahsa’s death, the Iranian regime released contradictory statements, attempting to absolve itself of responsibility.
The State Security Force (SSF) labeled reports of mistreatment as “false claims” and released a video suggesting Mahsa suffered a heart attack without external cause. However, this narrative was quickly challenged by doctors and experts who cited signs of brain trauma, such as bleeding from the ears, consistent with severe head injuries rather than a heart condition.
As Mahsa’s death was publicly acknowledged, protests erupted across more than 200 cities in Iran, with demonstrators denouncing the regime’s brutality. Women, in particular, took to the streets, cutting their hair and burning headscarves as symbols of defiance against the government’s oppressive mandates. The protests, which persisted for months, have become a symbol of resistance against the clerical regime’s authoritarian rule.
Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), expressed her condolences to Mahsa’s family and called for nationwide protests. She also urged the dismantling of the Morality Police, advocating for women’s rights and equality in Iran.
