Iran cracks down ahead of protest anniversary

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iranian authorities have arrested at least a dozen women’s and human rights activists a month ahead of the anniversary of the death of Mahsa (Jina) Amini that sparked nationwide protests against the Islamic Republic.

“Iranian authorities are using their go-to playbook of putting maximum pressure on peaceful dissidents ahead of the anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death,” said Human Rights Watch researcher Tara Sepehri Far in a report published on Saturday. “The arbitrary arrests of a dozen activists are aimed at suppressing popular discontent with ongoing impunity and rights violations.” 

The rights monitor reported 12 arrests in Gilan province in the north of the country in the past week, accused of “planning to disrupt security.” 

On Saturday, Hengaw organisation reported the arrests of two Kurdish women. Khadijeh Mehdipour, described as a “former Kurdish political prisoner,” was arrested and taken to Ilam prison to serve a three-month prison sentence on the charge of “spreading falsehoods.” Ghazaleh Zare, who advocates for homeless children, was detained in late July and remains in custody on unknown charges. 

Last September, Kurdish woman Mahsa (Jina) Amini died while in the custody of Tehran’s morality police. Her death sparked nationwide protests, often led by women demanding greater freedoms, removing their mandatory headscarves, and chanting Jin, Jiyan, Azadi (Woman, Life, Freedom), a popular slogan of Kurdish activists. 

Iranian authorities violently suppressed the protests that posed one of the greatest challenges to the Islamic Republic since its founding more than 40 years ago. Hundreds of people were killed, thousands were arrested, and authorities have introduced measures to enforce its dress code that requires women to cover their hair. 

“Iranian authorities have also sought to suppress potential memorial events by families for some of the protesters killed in 2022,” said Human Rights Watch.

Hengaw reported a buildup of military forces in Kurdish areas. “This deployment coincides with the approaching anniversary of the beginning of the Jin, Jiyan, Azadi (Woman, Life, Freedom) Movement, indicating the Iranian government's preparedness to face the potential resurgence of the widespread public protests,” said the watchdog.

Iran has accused foreign countries of fueling the protests and supporting “riots.”