Orlando, FL: Protests have broken out in Iran after the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was arrested by Iran’s “Morality Police” for “improperly” donning the hijab because she had not completely covered her hair. According to a Reuters report, she died on Friday after falling into a coma following her arrest in Tehran earlier in the week, putting a spotlight on women’s rights in Iran.
Police have rejected social media suspicions that she was beaten, saying she fell ill as she waited with other detained women. But on social media, a number of videos from the protests that show demonstrators shouting anti-government slogans have gone viral. In some videos, Iranian forces are seen using tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.
Representative Anna V. Eskamani is of Iranian descent, and has family living in Iran today. She is the first Iranian-American elected to any public office in Florida. Here is her statement in response to the brutal murder of Mahsa Amini in Iran.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Mahsa Amini. The dangerous and misogynistic “morality police” have targeted and tortured Iranians and especially Iranian women for far too long. My first visit to Iran was in 2005 to bring my Mom’s ashes to the Caspian Sea, and even as a 14 year old I was harassed by the police for showing too much wrist. It’s absolutely absurd that in 2022 women anywhere in the world must fear their lives for not meeting a government mandated dress code.
As courageous Iranians come to the streets to protest in honor of Mahsa and for their collective freedoms, I want you to know that we see you and support you. And I wish for the day when Iran’s women — the country’s greatest asset — will be free to flourish however they choose.
As a first generation Iranian-American, I share Mahsa’s story with my peers in Florida and in the United States with the intent that her death will not be in vain.”
