More Than 1,000 Indicted Over Anti-Hijab Protests In Tehran

 

Iranian judiciary spokesperson Masoud Setayeshi said on Tuesday that over 1,000 indictments related to recent "riots" were issued in Tehran, the capital of Iran.

The judiciary of the Islamic Republic of Iran also said that courts would deal firmly with people who cause disruptions or commit crimes during anti-government protests.

Setayeshi reportedly said, “Now, the public demand from the judiciary and security institutions to deal with the people who have caused disturbances in a firm, deterrent, and legal manner.”

Last month, Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, ordered judges to avoid issuing weak sentences to the main “elements of these riots.”

Massive protests erupted across the Islamic republic since a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini died on September 16 after her arrest by the Iranian morality police in Tehran for allegedly violating the country’s strict dress code that requires women to fully cover their heads. The morality police arrested her on September 13. Her funeral ceremony took place on September 17. Anger flared at her funeral ceremony in Saqqez, her hometown.

Amini’s family and cousin said that she was assaulted in the police van and the detention centre. However, a state coroner’s medical report said that Amini had died from pre-existing medical conditions. Subsequently, Amini’s family said that Amini never had any health conditions.

Reportedly, the protests have led to dozens of deaths, including protesters and members of the security forces. State media said last month that more than 46 members of the security forces had been killed.

The activist HRANA news agency said that 318 protesters had been killed in the protests as of Saturday, including 49 minors. Last month, Iran’s Children’s Rights Protection Society said that at least 28 children had been killed during protests.

Earlier, the rights groups slammed Iranian security forces for using violence against children during protests.