At least 35 people have been killed in violent protests in Iran for more than a week after the death of a young woman arrested by morality police, state media said on Saturday.
Mahsa Amini, 22, was arrested on September 13 in Tehran for “wearing inappropriate clothing” by police charged with enforcing the Islamic Republic’s strict dress code.
He died three days later in hospital, and his death sparked overnight protests in major Iranian cities, including the capital Tehran.
“State television announced on Friday night that the death toll in the recent unrest in the country has risen to 35 people,” said Borna News, the news agency linked to Iran’s Sports Ministry.
On Thursday, state television reported the death of 17 people during these demonstrations, while the authorities deny any involvement in the violence.
“no bumps”
In the Islamic Republic, women must cover their hair and are not allowed to wear short or tight coats or jeans with holes.
On Friday night, Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi reiterated that Mahsa Amini had not been beaten by security forces.
“Reports were received from the control bodies, witnesses were interviewed, videos were reviewed, forensic opinions were obtained and it was found that there were no blows” delivered to the young woman, Ahmad Vahidi told television, quoted by local media.
According to him, the Iranian government is investigating “the cause of Mahsa Amini’s death (but) we have to wait for the final opinion of the forensic doctor, which takes time.”
Ahmad Vahidi also criticized “those who have taken irresponsible positions, (…) and incited violence”, accusing them of “following the United States, European countries and anti-revolutionary groups”.
Source: BFM TV
