By Jordan Somers

Seattle took to the streets for the second consecutive week to decry the death of Mahsa Amini in Tehran, Iran.  According to witnesses, Amini, 22, fell into a coma on September 14 after being severely beaten by Iran’s morality police for having improperly worn her hijab, which is regarded as a strict violation of the government’s ordinance.  She died two days later from cerebral hemorrhaging and a stroke.

In response, thousands of Iranian citizens have continued to amass and protest the Iranian Islamic regime, resulting in a worldwide outcry of support.  

During Saturday’s protest at the Westlake Center, Iranian women were publicly cutting their hair, an act that goes against the Islamic Republic’s mandates on public appearance and dress code. A man was also seen cutting his Iranian passport to pieces in front of the crowd.

Community leaders and protestors called for the ousting of the Iranian government and its leaders, while chanting Amini’s name throughout the entirety of the demonstration.

In Iran, social media videos show women throughout the country burning their headscarves, cutting their hair, calling for their freedom and decrying Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader.

The Iranian government has responded to the country-wide protests with tear gas, birdshot, metal canons and live ammunition.  According to Iran Human Rights, at least 133 protestors across 14 Iranian provinces have been killed following the death of Amini.  

The Iranian government has also shut off much of the country’s access to the internet - including WhatsApp and Instagram - to thwart the protestors’ ability to organize effectively.  Due to the internet restrictions and access to information, the number of casualties is projected to be much higher.  

Amini’s death has sparked a countrywide revolution that takes aim at a decades-long violation of basic human rights for women, dating back to the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

For more information, please visit Iran Human Rights.

Photos by Jordan Somers