Women in Iran protest restrictions - 5th October 2022

Protests have broken out across Iran following the death of 22 year old Mahsa Amini. Amini was initially arrested by the Iranian morality police for wearing the hijab headscarf in an "improper" way.

Whilst in police custody, Amini fell into a coma, which activists say was due to a violent blow to the head. After three days in hospital, she was declared dead by doctors. The authorities attempted to blame Amini's death on pre-existing medical conditions.

The protests, initially focused on the capital, have mushroomed into nationwide unrest – the largest for over three years. Led by women burning their headscarves and cutting their hair, the demonstrations have stood in opposition to strict dress codes and morality police tactics. And men have been joining the women in increasing numbers.

Across the world, as well as on social media, other women have echoed these actions. Many are removing their headscarves and cutting off hair as an act of solidarity.

The Iranian authorities are attempting to violently crush the protests. They've imposed tough restrictions on the use of the internet to prevent communication and images of their response to the protests reaching the outside world.

The Iranian judiciary chief's stressed the need for decisive action without leniency against the protestors. Meanwhile, one Grand Ayatollah, Hossein Noori-Hamedani, has called for the country's leaders to show sensitivity to protestors' rights.

Amnesty International's reported at least 100 deaths and many hundreds of arrests during the demonstrations.