TEHRAN: Iranian security forces apprehended Mahsa Amini’s father on Saturday, and warned him against marking the death anniversary of her daughter before releasing him, a rights group said.
“Security forces detained Amjad Amini today and returned him to his house after threatening him against marking his daughter’s death anniversary,” the Kurdistan Human Rights Network said.
Last year, Mahsa Amini tragically lost her life while in the custody of the morality police after her arrest on charges of an “inappropriate hijab.” This event triggered extensive anti-government demonstrations across the nation and inspired a movement among women who increasingly disregarded the obligatory dress code in public.
Despite government warnings, Amini’s parents announced via social media earlier this week their determination to hold a “traditional and religious anniversary ceremony” at their daughter’s gravesite.
Security forces were notably deployed in significant numbers on Saturday in Saqqez, Mahsa Amini’s hometown located in Iran’s western province of Kurdistan, as well as other cities.
Tragically, more than 500 individuals lost their lives at the hands of security forces during the protests that ensued following the untimely demise of the 22-year-old woman. Hundreds more faced arrest, torture, and execution.
In recent weeks, family members of at least 36 individuals who were imprisoned, killed, or executed during the crackdown have been subjected to interrogations, arrests, prosecutions, or prison sentences, according to a report by Human Rights Watch.
