Iran Blocks Family Memorial For Mahsa Amini On Third Anniversary Of Her Death

"A source close to the family told RFE/RL's Radio Farda on September 16, the third anniversary of Amini's death, that her father, Amjad Amini, was summoned by intelligence officials in Saghez, in Iran's Kurdistan Province and warned not to take any action to mark the occassion. Amateur videos posted online showed shops in Saghez closed on September 16 in what was described as a strike by local shopkeepers to mark the anniversary."

"The source, who requested anonymity, said security forces have been stationed outside the family's home in Saghez since September 14 and have been monitoring their movements. According to the source, security forces also blocked access to Aichi Cemetery-where Amini is buried-to prevent visitors from reaching her grave. The family was barred from visiting the site as well. Radio Farda sources added that authorities blocked access routes to the cemetery by releasing water from the Cheragh Weis Dam into the Saqqez riverbed."

"Similar measures were taken last year on the second anniversary of Amini's death, which had sparked nationwide protests across Iran. During those demonstrations, women removed their headscarves and many chanted slogans against the clerical establishment, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Authorities responded with a violent crackdown, killing more than 500 people and arresting more than 20,000. Human Rights Watch said in a statement marking the anniversary that authorities have failed to conduct effective, impartial,"

Iranian authorities prevented Mahsa Amini's family from holding a memorial service on the third anniversary of her death and summoned her father, warning against any commemorative actions. Local shopkeepers staged a strike, closing shops in Saghez on September 16. Security forces were stationed outside the family's home from September 14 and monitored their movements. Authorities blocked access to Aichi Cemetery, barred the family from visiting, and released water from the Cheragh Weis Dam to obstruct routes to the grave. Similar tactics were used last year after nationwide protests that were met with a violent crackdown and mass arrests. Human Rights Watch said authorities failed to conduct effective, impartial investigations.

Read at RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty