Protesters gathered outside the United Nations on Wednesday in response to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisis speech to the General Assembly amid widespread protests in Iran.
A video shared by the Iranian-American Community of Wisconsin shows hundreds of protesters wearing yellow #FreeIran shirts and vests and waving Iranian flags. Some carry signs calling for regime change in the Islamic republic.
Protests erupted in Iran over the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of the countrys so-called “morality police,” which enforce the countrys strict dress codes for women.
Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman, was arrested by the Guidance Patrol of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Tehran on Sept. 13. Iranian officials have said Amini died Sept. 16 after falling into a coma due to natural causes. There are reports, however, that she was beaten.
Protests spread to cities and towns across the country, featuring women burning their hijabs. Security forces cracked down, and there have been reports of at least eight people killed and more injured, along with numerous arrests.
In a statement Tuesday, the United Nations Human Rights Office said the morality police have recently expanded street patrols, subjecting women to harassment and arrest for “loose hijab,” not having their hair completely covered.
The agency said it had received numerous verified videos of authorities slapping women across the face, beating them with batons and throwing them into police vans.
“Mahsa Aminis tragic death and allegations of torture and ill-treatment must be promptly, impartially and effectively investigated by an independent competent authority, that ensures, in particular, that her family has access to justice and truth,” said Acting U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif.
In his speech at the U.N. on Wednesday, U.S. President Joe Biden expressed solidarity with protesters.
“Today we stand with the brave citizens and the brave women of Iran who right now are demonstrating to secure their basic rights,” he told the General Assembly.
