Opposition groups around the world prepare to mark one year since the event that sparked widespread national protests
Iranian security forces were being deployed in the hometown of Mahsa Amini on Saturday in anticipation of unrest as many across the country prepared to mark the first anniversary of her death in the custody of morality police.
The death on 16 September 2022 of Amini, a 22-year-old arrested for allegedly flouting the Islamic republic’s mandatory dress code, sparked months of anti-government protests that spiralled into the biggest show of opposition to the authorities in years.
More than 500 people including 71 minors were killed in the protests, hundreds injured and thousands arrested in unrest that was eventually crushed by security forces, rights groups said.
Iranian authorities say dozens of security personnel were also killed in what they describe as “riots” incited by foreign governments and hostile media.
Seven men have been executed after being convicted in protest-related cases.
In Amini’s birthplace in Iran’s western province of Kurdistan, a rights activist said there was a “heavy presence of security forces”. Another activist said a small gathering of protesters chanted anti-government slogans before quickly dispersing.
The activists spoke on condition of anonymity, citing a fear of government reprisals amid a growing clampdown on dissent as the anniversary approached.
