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How Iranians took to the streets after the death of Mahsa Amini

The world has witnessed extraordinary protests across Iran during the past fortnight. It followed the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini. She was arrested and detained after allegedly breaking rules over covering her hair. She collapsed and fell into a coma at a detention centre, and died three days later in hospital.

Her arrest was by the so-called Morality Police: a special police unit, tasked with ensuring the respect of Islamic morals and enforcing a specific dress code. For women in public, this means wearing a hijab, or headscarf, and clothes that cover the body from the neck to the feet and wrists.

The force denied reports that officers beat Ms Amini’s head with a baton and banged it against one of their vehicles.

James Reynolds and Karnie Sharp have been bringing Iranian women - and some men - together to hear their stories. Tara, Sara and Ali are protesting on the streets of Iran, despite knowing the danger that places them in.

We also hear from Iranians abroad, including Zeinab, who now lives in Turkey. Her encounters with the morality police, when she was 22, contributed towards her deciding to leave the country a few years ago.

(Photo: People clash with police during a protest in Tehran on 21st September, Credit: /EPA-EFE/Rex/Shutterstock)

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23 minutes

Last on

Sun 2 Oct 2022 00:06GMT

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