More Than 40 Killed during Iranian Anti-Government Protests following Death of Woman by ‘Morality Police’ for ‘Improper Hijab’

According to The Christian Post, the rallies come after the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was arrested by Iranian “morality police” because she was not properly wearing a hijab.

Police said she fell into a coma after her arrest, but critics say she was first interrogated at the Vozara detention center and was reportedly struck in the head while under questioning.

Nada Al-Nashif, the Acting United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, called for an impartial investigation by an “independent competent authority, that ensures, in particular, that her family has access to justice and truth.”

Iran’s “morality police” have expanded patrolling and arrested in recent months, “subjecting women perceived to be wearing ‘loose hijab’ to verbal and physical harassment and arrest.” Islamic Republic’s morality police, known as Gasht-e Ershad, or “Guidance Patrol,” is tasked with monitoring and enforcing respect for Islamic morals as described by clerical authorities.

The U.N. Human Rights Office says it has received video evidence of violent treatment against women, including women being subjected to beating and other physical violence.

In Iran, CNBC reports that activists shouted “death to the dictator,” referring to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Meanwhile, supporters of the government rallied, saying, “Offenders of the Koran must be executed.”

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi said the Iranian government would “deal decisively with those who oppose the country’s security and tranquility,” calling the unrest “a riot.”

Iran’s Chief of Police Hossein Ashtari also issued a warning to protestors, telling state television networks that people “involved in sabotage and creating insecurity based on directives from outside the country should know that they will be strongly dealt with.”

Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Stringer

Amanda Casanova is a writer living in Dallas, Texas. She has covered news for ChristianHeadlines.com since 2014. She has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report and IBelieve.com. She blogs at The Migraine Runner.