Widespread protests have been taking place in Iran following the killing of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini by the “Morality Police” of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The 22 years old Mahsa, who had come with her family for a visit from Kurdistan to Tehran, was apprehended for not observing the Islamic dress code. As Mahsa protested, she was savagely beaten and kicked, so that she had to be taken to hospital, and later died from injuries to her skull.
In the face of the broad protests across Iran and international condemnation, the Islamic Republic authorities announced in panic that Mahsa was not “touched”, and her death was the result of previous poor health conditions!
This is not the first time that the Islamic Republic forces have committed such a crime. People in Iran have been facing the continuous attacks on women for over four decades now. The atrocities of the “Morality Police”, has over 40 years of history where women have been apprehended, beaten, jailed, and faced splashing acid on their faces for not “observing” the Islamic dress code. Gender apartheid has been part and parcel of the entire Islamic Republic and a pilar in its suppressive rule since its conception. Despite such harsh systematic rule, the Islamic Republic has not been able to force the society to submission, and ceaseless protests for equality have been taking place throughout the country.
This time, the response of the Islamic Republic authorities and security forces have once again been the same, with a clear public mandate given to the security forces to “shoot to kill” again – a “mandate” that is being carried out today with live ammunition being fired at the protestors. There are reports of at least a dozen protestors being shot at in the cities in Kurdistan.
In the current situation in Iran, where hundreds of protest actions by workers, women’s rights, teachers, students, nurses, retired working people, activists against environmental damage, … are a daily occurrence, even the Islamic authorities are publicly expressing that end is near. The despatch of special Guards to several cities, therefore, demonstrates the fear of a state that is hearing its death knoll, sounded by a mass population that demands freedom and equality.
This is a struggle that has no borders. The extent of women’s rights is a clear measure of the freedom of any society. The mass struggle against the Islamic Republic needs broad international support from all freedom-seeking people across the world. We urge you all to support this struggle and express your solidarity with all your possible means.
Long live international Solidarity
Aso Fotuhi
Abroad organisation of Hekmatist Party (Official Line)
18 September 2022