Clashes between Iranian security forces and protesters have been reported in the home city of Mahsa Amini, after crowds gathered near her grave to mark 40 days since her death in custody.
A Kurdish rights group said security personnel fired live rounds and tear gas in Saqqez’s Zindan Square.Semi-official news agency Isna reported a clash on the outskirts of the city.
Earlier, thousands of mourners at the Aichi cemetery shouted “Woman, life, freedom” and “Death to the dictator”.
Iran international
The 40th day of a loved one’s death has a special significance in Iran, and in case of an unjust killing, such as the 22-year-old woman, Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody, the occasion turns into public mourning and fuels angry protests.
Videos received by Iran International show that people are chanting “Freedom, Freedom”, “Khamenei will be ousted this year” in the Saqqez cemetery, northwest Kordestan province.
Large attendance at the fortieth day ceremony of Mahsa Amini comes as security forces threatened her family not to hold any gathering at her grave.
On Tuesday night, Hengaw human rights organization reported that Ali Daei and Hamed Lak, two popular football stars, had arrived in Saqqez to participate in the 40th day ceremony.
The two celebrities have supported the antigovernment protests and their presence in the city immediately drew locals to gather outside and chant slogan.
Hengaw reported that the security forces transferred them to a government guesthouse and forced the owner of the hotel to close the facility.
All the roads to Saqqez were also blocked Tuesday night by police and the armed forces deployed to prevent people from other cities to come to Saqqez.
Meanwhile, workers at Tehran’s refinery went on a strike on Wednesday to join the protest movement.
