A year after the killing of Mahsa Amini

Protests in Iran: Freedom Struggles. After the death of the young Kurdish girl killed by the Iranian authorities, the protests have lost steam but continue to draw attention to the fight for human rights and freedom. Despite government repression and censorship, the protest movement has gained support internationally, with the attention of human rights organizations.

Protests in Iran: freedom struggles one year after the killing of Mahsa Amini

On 16th. September 2022, Mahsa Amini died while in the custody of Iranian authorities. The young Kurd would have turned 22 years just four days later.

Mahsa Amini, a young Kurdish woman aged just 22, was arrested on 13th September 2022 by Iranian authorities on charges of violating the strict dress code and improperly wearing the l’hijab. Tragically, she died in custody four days later, immediately sparking protests in the streets of numerous Iranian cities. The squares resounded with slogans such as "Death to the dictator", demonstrating deep disdain towards the Iranian authorities and the clerics in power.

Despite the harsh repression by the Tehran government, the protest movement continued to spread rapidly thanks to the use of the Internet and social media. People from different cities and regions have joined the cause by sharing numerous videos and images of dissent online.

However, Iranian authorities responded by blocking access to the Internet and several messaging and social media applications to limit the spread of the protests. This act of censorship attracted the attention of human rights organizations, who pointed out that such blocks violate the right to freedom of expression and access to information.

The international consequences

Despite repression and violence by the regime, the protests went ahead, to the extent of gaining international support. French President Emmanuel Macron called the protests a “"revolution"“ and highlighted how government repression had complicated attempts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal.

Images of the protests went around the world, sparking solidarity in several countries, including Italy. Iranians Communities abroad, European and American citizens have come together to support the cause, demanding freedom and human rights.

Despite the protests' progress, Iranian authorities have acted violently, killing protesters and arresting hundreds. According to data from a foundation for the defense of democracies, at least 737 protesters have been arrested, including 79 minors, while seven people have been executed in connection with the protests.

A year later, the demonstrations have lost strength, but the indignation and the spirit of freedom continue to live in the hearts of many. The Mahsa Amini protests have shaken the world and raised important humanitarian and political issues both inside and outside Iran.

One year after the killing of Mahsa Amini, it is crucial that we do not forget the impact of these protests and continue to support those fighting for freedom and human rights in Iran.

In 2023, the Iranian regime adopts a dual approach, continuing with public executions and repression but, at the same time, showing signs of détente towards the population. However, suspected cases of poisoning against female students in various parts of the country have cast the Islamic Republic in a bad light. The regime responds by establishing an investigation group tasked with understanding the causes of these episodes. Between the spring and summer of 2023 the momentum of the squares begins to lose intensity. Today, a year later, the flame of dissent still smolders under the ashes.

Editorial