Iran Braces for Fresh Protests on 3rd Anniversary of Mahsa Amini's Custody Death

Iran Marks Three Years Since Mahsa Amini's Death, Protests Loom TEHRAN, IRAN - SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 Three years have passed since the death of Jina Mahsa Amini, a young Kurdish Iranian woman who died in custody after being arrested by Iran's morality police. The incident sparked widespread protests across the country, which eventually turned into the "Woman, Life, Freedom" mass movement. The demonstrations were brutally suppressed by authorities, resulting in at least 500 deaths and over 20,000 arrests, according to human rights groups. Despite this, the death of Amini is seen as a turning point for Iran and its society. Growing Resistance Against Hijab Mandate One notable shift since Amini's death is the growing reluctance among many women, particularly younger women living in cities, to wear the hijab. Defying pressures and threats from security forces and morality police, these women have been resisting the hijab mandate and challenging authorities' efforts to enforce it. "Women are no longer afraid to express themselves and challenge the regime's oppressive policies," said Leila, a 25-year-old Iranian woman who has been participating in anti-hijab protests. "We will continue to fight for our rights and freedom." Background and Context Amini's death on September 16, 2022, sparked outrage across Iran, with protesters demanding an end to the hijab mandate and greater freedoms for women. The regime responded with force, deploying security forces and morality police to suppress the demonstrations. The "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement gained momentum in the following months, with protests spreading from major cities like Tehran and Isfahan to smaller towns and villages. Despite the regime's efforts to crush the movement, it has continued to inspire women across Iran to resist the hijab mandate and demand greater rights. Additional Perspectives While some Iranian officials have praised the government's handling of the protests, others have criticized its response as excessive and oppressive. "The regime's actions were a clear attempt to suppress dissent and maintain control," said Hadi Ghaemi, executive director of the Center for Human Rights in Iran. "The international community should hold Iran accountable for its human rights abuses." Current Status and Next Developments As Iran marks three years since Amini's death, protests are expected to resume in the coming days. Activists have called for renewed demonstrations against the hijab mandate and greater freedoms for women. With the regime still struggling to contain the movement, it remains to be seen whether it will adopt any significant reforms or continue its hardline stance on women's rights. One thing is certain: the legacy of Mahsa Amini continues to inspire resistance and challenge the Iranian government's oppressive policies. *Reporting by Dw.*