Iran's 'Hijab Protests' Intensify in 4th Week... At Least 185 Deaths Reported

Including 19 Under 18... Estimated 90 Deaths on 'Bloody Friday'

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Sung-wook] At least 185 people have died in the ongoing 'Hijab protests' in Iran for the fourth consecutive week. Among the deceased, 19 are reported to be under the age of 18.

Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian woman, died on the 16th of last month (local time), three days after being arrested by the police for not wearing a hijab, intensifying anti-government protests. The photo shows local media reporting on the Amini case. [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

On the 9th (local time), Iran Human Rights (IHR), headquartered in Norway, released this tally. According to the organization, deaths occurred in 17 out of Iran's 31 provinces due to nationwide protests. The province with the highest number of deaths is Sistan-Baluchestan in southeastern Iran, where more than half of the fatalities were reported.

In particular, the organization referred to the bloody incident known as the 'Bloody Friday of Zahedan.' On Friday, the 30th of last month (local time), protests were held in Zahedan, Sistan-Baluchestan Province, against allegations that the police chief of Chabahar had sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl. It is estimated that 90 people died during this event. Zahedan is currently a site of multiple clashes between protesters and security forces.

However, the organization noted, "Efforts to verify the reported death toll are being hindered by security issues and internet shutdowns," adding, "Many incidents are still under investigation, and the exact number of deaths is likely higher." They also called on the international community to form a United Nations international delegation and emphasized that leaders responsible for the deaths of protesters must be prosecuted and held accountable.

Earlier, anti-government protests intensified after 22-year-old Iranian woman Mahsa Amini died on the 16th of last month (local time), three days after being detained by police for allegedly not wearing a hijab. Amini's family stated that they believe she was beaten while in custody, but Iranian authorities have denied this.