On September 13, 22 year-old Mahsa Amini was arrested by the morality police for wearing an improper hijab. Three days later, she was mysteriously dead. The police told everyone that she suffered from a heart attack. Eyewitnesses claimed that she was beaten to death by officers in the detention van. After her death, multiple protests began to ensue.

Amini was born on September 21, 1999. She was known as Jina, her Kurdish name, around her parents and brother. She was shy, reserved, and avoided politics in general. She had just been admitted to university and was preparing to become a lawyer. The morality police cut her dreams short.

The morality police is a unit of Iran’s police forces who go around in public making sure others are following the dress code. When they find a woman with tight clothing or exposed hair, they either give them a notice or take them to the police station, where they are required to view a lecture on Islamic values. 

During Amini’s funeral, a large protest arose. Hundreds of people took off their hijabs, tore down posters of the supreme leader, and chanted “death to the dictator.” The morality police used pepper spray and tear gas against them and arrested many. Despite this, the protests continued all over Iran.

On September 21, internet access was cut for most of Iran. At least eight were killed during this time. Few with VPNs  (virtual private networks) were able to communicate during this. Protesters started to play with fire, lighting up police stations and vehicles. Anti-protest rallies began, wanting death for the protesters. Armies began forming against these protesters as well.

After protesters allegedly shot at a police station, a large shootout began. Officers ended up killing 66, including children. 

On October 7, the government publicly denied killing a 16 year-old girl, claiming she committed suicide. They had already used the same excuse earlier that week for another teenage girl. These atrocities are just the latest round of violence in this country’s long history. However, there is an emerging silver lining as these rebellious women fight for their rights.