Iran cracks down on dissent as protest looms ahead of Mahsa Amini's death anniversary

As the first anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death in police custody approaches, Iran is intensifying its crackdown on dissent, targeting the families of those killed during last year's protests, political and human rights activists, and even academics who supported the protest movement. The situation raises concerns about human rights and freedom of expression in the country.

Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman, was taken into custody by the morality police in Tehran on September 16, 2022, over allegations of wearing her hijab inappropriately. Her death in custody sparked widespread protests, marking the largest demonstrations in Iran in over a decade.

Is the regime in Iran afraid?

In the lead-up to the anniversary of Amini's death, authorities have taken measures to detain activists and pressure them not to organise gatherings or protests to commemorate the occasion, as per a report from Financial Times. Additionally, some academics who supported the protest movement have lost their jobs, although the reasons behind these actions have not been officially explained.

Analysts reportedly believe that these detentions and dismissals are directly related to the anniversary. The Iranian government appears determined to prevent any resurgence of the protests that called for respect for human rights, particularly women's rights, and demanded a modern and secular government to replace the uncompromising Islamic regime.

A reformist analyst stated, "It's crucial for the Islamic republic that September is calm." The authorities fear that renewed tensions surrounding the anniversary could disrupt the country, particularly as parliamentary elections are scheduled for early next year.

Last year's protests resulted in 300 deaths

The protests last year resulted in over 300 casualties, with tens of thousands of arrests and injuries sustained at the hands of security forces. Some protesters were left permanently disabled or blinded due to injuries inflicted during the demonstrations. In a controversial move, seven individuals were executed for their involvement in the unrest.

While analysts anticipate some level of protest during the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death, they do not expect widespread demonstrations. However, tensions may surface on university campuses and around the graves of those who lost their lives. Additionally, there is potential for protests in Kurdish and Baluchi areas of Iran, although large-scale demonstrations are not currently planned.

The situation underscores the ongoing struggle for civil liberties and freedom of expression in Iran and the government's determination to suppress dissent, particularly ahead of sensitive anniversaries and events. It remains to be seen how these tensions will unfold in the coming weeks.