Thousands of protesters marched to Mahsa Amini's grave to commemorate the 40 days since the young woman's death. They commemorated 40 days of protests, of struggle under the leadership of young women, but also of brutal repression by the regime. In this period, at least 252 citizens have lost their lives and more than 13,000 have been arrested.
Nevertheless, the Iranian people continue to chant "Woman, Life, Freedom!" and fight to end the Ayatollah' Regime. The massive march to the cemetery was joined by other marches in the country's main cities. At Tehran University, a large group of students chanted "we are free women."
"Women, Life and Liberty"
Iran’s national protests are entering week six. In Saqez, hometown of Mahsa Amini, thousands of people ignore government road closures to walk to her gravesite on the 40th day of her death. A growing number of young women refuse to wear compulsory hejab. pic.twitter.com/aMsbKz9MGX
— Karim Sadjadpour (@ksadjadpour) October 26, 2022
Shots fired at protesters
Iranian security forces tried to prevent each of them, even by opening fire on the demonstrators. During the march to the cemetery there were harsh confrontations and tense moments. Protesters marched despite facing violence from the repressors.
Isfahan, Iran. Are they unstoppable?
pic.twitter.com/6mYlThfgY0— Frida Ghitis (@FridaGhitis) October 26, 2022
At least 13,309 detainees
The data regarding the Jameini government's repression continues to grow, but the people's spirit has not tapered off. According to FDD's Iran Program, at least 252 Iranians have lost their lives at the hands of law enforcement and at least 13,309 have been arrested for participating in the protests.
40 days later, the #IranProtests2022 remain undeterred, despite continued crackdowns — proving again that the demands of the Iranian people for regime change and freedom cannot be silenced. pic.twitter.com/kbqRFodPzW
— FDD's Iran Program (@FDD_Iran) October 25, 2022
"We are free women"
Women continue to lead the rebellion. Removing their hijabs has become the symbol of the protests, and more and more people are joining the initiative. Even though at first it was just young women, especially female students, who started this gesture of rebellion, it has spread to all age groups. This is the case of a mother, whose son, a blogger, was murdered 10 years ago. "After 80 years" of wearing a headscarf, she finally took it off in solidarity with young Iranian women.
"My beautiful girls, I am really proud of you."
After "80 years," an Iranian woman removed her hijab in solidarity with the youth of Iran protesting for their rights in the streets. pic.twitter.com/iKnvqmy5Mp
— DW News (@dwnews) October 21, 2022
