Thousands of people marched through the Iranian capital during a pro-hijab demonstration on Friday, in honor of security forces mobilizing to crush a week of protests dubbed “conspirators” by state media.
Iran has been rocked by street violence – which has claimed the lives of at least 17 people – since the death last week of Mahsa Amini, a young woman detained for wearing the hijab (Islamic veil) in an “inappropriate” manner.
State news agency IRNA said thousands of people took to the streets of Tehran this Friday after the main weekly prayers. in response to an appeal from Iran’s Islamic Development Coordinating Council.
“The great demonstration of the Iranian people condemning the conspirators and sacrilege against religion took place today,” Iran’s Mehr news agency said.
Imam Seyed Ahmad Khatami, in a sermon at Tehran University, called on law enforcement agencies to punish those behind the disturbances.
“I strongly urge the judiciary to act swiftly against the rioters who are assaulting people, setting fire to public property and burning the Quran,” he said. “Punish these criminals with the weapon of the law.”
Those in attendance held up placards thanking the security forces and condemning the women who burned their hijabs. “Supporting the end of the veil is doing politics the American way,” they sang.
State television broadcast footage of the pro-hijab demonstration, as people marched and put up banners through the streets of central Tehran. Most of the protesters were men.
Demonstrations in support of security forces also took place in several other cities in the country, including Ahvaz, Isfahan, Qom and Tabriz.
Young Amini died on September 16, three days after being hospitalized after being arrested by police responsible for enforcing Iran’s strict dress code for women.
Activists say the 22-year-old was hit on the head while in custody. This was not confirmed by the Iranian authorities, who launched an investigation.
Source: DN
