Jan 5, 2023
While the Iranians' fight for basic human rights is still ongoing and removing mandatory hijab has been one of the main symbols of the recent uprising in Iran, Khamenei, the Islamic Regime’s supreme leader, denied the women’s act of removing their hijab.
“There is no one completely removing their hijab in the streets, and people are not giving up to the enemies.” said Khamenei. This is while public photos and videos show women not only showing up without the mandatory hijab but also putting their hijabs on fire in the streets.
He also mentioned that no one answered the “enemy’s” invitation to remove their hijab.
Let’s not forget that Mahsa Jina Amini was killed by the so-called “morality police”, not because she was not veiled, but only because her hijab was considered “improper” or “incomplete”.
Arshia Takdastan (18) was arrested during the protests in the streets. He is now charged with Hiraba and Corruption on Earth. The Islamic Republic court confirmed Arshia’s execution sentence.
Internet Disruptions
According to reports, the economic damages caused by internet disruptions by governments in 2022 were equal to 24 billion dollars worldwide. Iran's share of this damage was almost 800 million dollars.
The Islamic regime uses cutting off or limiting the internet connection to suppress the protesters. In November 2019, more than 1500 people were reportedly killed by the regime forces, using news silence by cutting off internet access across the entire country. During the recent uprising, access to the Internet has been severely limited and in many cases, it has been completely cut off in various cities, especially Kurdish cities, due to rising protests.
Access to messengers including WhatsApp and social networks such as Instagram got also blocked when the protests started. In November 2019 access to Telegram, and during the Green Movement in 2009 access to Facebook and Twitter were blocked.
These are just examples of widespread censorship and restrictions on free internet access in Iran.
Free on Bail
Taraneh Alidoosti, actress, and Aida Amidi, poet, were freed on bail on Wednesday, January 4th. They were both arrested due to publicly supporting the “Woman, Life, Freedom” uprising. They are now waiting for the court outcome regarding their charges.
Taraneh’s arrest specifically gained global attention. Over 600 cinema artists around the world reacted to her imprisonment. She refused to wear the mandatory hijab in front of the prison just after her release.