Protests erupted on September 17, 2022 in Iran when a woman died at the hands of mortality police. These Islamic religious police enforce religious guidelines and dress code for women, and viciously beat 22-year-old Mahsa Amini for wearing a loose hijab.

The protests have spread to not only women’s rights but also to anti-government messages. The Iranian government insists Amini was not mistreated in prison, opposing the evidence of bruises and other signs of beating.

In solidarity to her death, girls and women removed their head scarves and hijabs on the street, which is strictly forbidden in Iran. This movement has spread to at least 19 cities.

These protests have led to police crackdowns, including arrests, beatings, and killings. At least 233 deaths have occurred, 32 of which are below the age of 18, according to human rights group, Human Rights Activists News Agency(HRANA).

The Iranian government has brutally cracked down on arrests for activists and organizers, and have even confiscated passports for celebrities that have voiced their support. Police have used ammunition, tear gas, and sound bombs during protests, resulting in more deaths.

Internet outages, orchestrated by the Iranian government, have prevented protesters from communicating to the outside world. At least 40 journalists have been arrested, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

Protests have spread around Europe and the Americas. At a rally in Irvine, various protesters held up signs spreading awareness of the conflict.