Iranian protests expose governmental oppression, abuse of women’s rights
Troubles are brewing overseas as media outrage erupted over the death of 22-year-old woman Mahsa Amini. Her death triggered national protests in Iran, with many becoming violent due to police involvement.
On September 13, in Tehran, Iran, Amini was taken into custody for defying the hijab policy. There has been a mandatory dress code for women in Iran for the past few decades. This is enforced by the Morality Police, who were established in 2005 with the purpose of arresting women not wearing their hijab appropriately. Amini reportedly died on September 16 and Iranian protests were triggered as this death struck a chord with citizens nationally.
“Iran is an authoritarian regime that is suppressing dissent in order to stay in power,” social studies teacher Andrew Britton said.
Police have claimed that Amini died of a heart attack and have posted police footage of her collapsing. On behalf of the Iranian police, an official coroner’s report evaluated her death.
“Amini’s death was not caused by blows to the head or limbs, but instead linked to disease,” it said.
However, her supposed brain scans were leaked, and they showed severe bone fractures and hemorrhage. The head medical official, Dr. Hossein Farshidi, who treated Amini observed her extensive injuries.
“The most likely cause of her death was a blow to the head,” he said.
Social studies teacher Jacob Smasal senses corruption in the current government and their reporting.
“Iran doesn’t want Amini’s death and the subsequent protests to be news--they want Iran and the rest of the world to move on,” he said. “Even if Amini did not die of a heart attack, having that cover story allows the Iranian government to have a story they can stick to as the protests continue.”
Over the past month, protests and civil unrest have been constant in Iran. Widespread ‘anti-government’ protests have occurred as an act of solidarity with Amini. Many of the protesters, like one woman who chose to remain anonymous, were enraged and tore off and lit their hijabs on fire.
“I want this government gone because I want to live like a normal human being with human rights, with the right to express myself, without the fear of literally being killed,” she said.
The goal of protesters is to achieve some sense of religious freedom in Iran. Dr. Michael Jasinski, professor of Political Science at UWO, doesn’t expect much change without a major shift in the Iranian government.
“For change to occur there will have to be a major split of leadership within the country,” he said. “Since their leadership is united, the security forces and military forces follow the directions of the authorities.”
Much of Iran’s internet and cellphone use has been restricted.
“The government doesn't want to admit fault; in their eyes, they are God's government and incapable of wrong,” Smasal said. “They also don't want the eyes of the international community on Iran, so they restrict coverage however they can.”
This has been quite unsuccessful, as videos of protests have been circulating internationally. In one video from the city of Kerman, a woman is shown cutting her hair in front of a massive, roaring crowd of protesters.
“Death to the dictator,” the crowd said. “Women, life, freedom.”
These protests have been fueled greatly by the pent-up anger many Iranian women have felt over the years. The death of Amini has in many ways shed light on the greatly oppressive society, allowing much of the population to come together against restrictive religious policies.
“The proverbial straw that broke the camel's back was the fact that her death was incredibly unjustified,” Jasinski said. “It seemed like there was no real reasoning behind the authorities' actions.”
By Kassandra Bowlus-Jasinski
Oshkosh West Index Volume 119 Issue II
October 31 2022