Four years after the tragic death of a young woman who became a symbol of the struggle for women’s rights in Iran, Amnesty International has reported that the government’s response was a systematic campaign that remains unaddressed. Mahsa Amini, aged 22, passed away on September 16, 2022, following her arrest by Iran’s morality police for wearing clothes considered inappropriate.
Amnesty’s recent report, based on 270 interviews, over 2,000 videos, and substantial documentary evidence, highlights the ongoing violent crackdowns led by the same officials. The report names numerous officials allegedly involved in what is described as crimes against humanity and calls for international intervention to prevent further deadly crackdowns.
Raha Bahreini, Amnesty International’s Iran researcher in London, emphasized the need to stop the normalization of mass protest killings in Iran and urged for accountability for those responsible. Mahsa Piraei, whose mother was killed during a protest in 2022, stressed the importance of holding accountable all those involved, not just the individuals who directly carried out the acts of violence.
The Amnesty report also details the disproportionate targeting of minority groups, particularly Kurdish and Baluchi communities, during the 2022 crackdown. These communities, practicing Sunni Islam in a Shia-majority country, faced severe repression, with a significant number of deaths despite their small representation in the population.
The report further identifies a chain of command behind the alleged crimes against humanity, listing 87 officials for potential criminal investigations. Among those named are high-ranking officials, including Ali Khamenei and Mohammad Bagheri. Amnesty International has shared its findings with Iranian authorities but has yet to receive a response.
Despite the harsh consequences faced since 2022, civil disobedience continues, with a growing spirit of resistance against discriminatory laws. While Iran’s hijab laws remain in place, enforcement has been less stringent following the uprising. The legacy of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement lives on, challenging oppressive policies and fostering a culture of resistance in Iranian society.