The ongoing protests in Iran are causing a further escalation in the Kurdish north-west of the country. According to reports, protesters are trying to occupy a government building in the city of Mahabad. Whether they are successful is unclear. Pictures show chaotic scenes.
In north-western Iran, protesters have reportedly attempted to occupy government buildings. Videos on social media showed crowds believed to be from the Kurdish city of Mahabad. It was initially unclear whether the demonstrators had also occupied the governor's office, as claimed. Shots were also reported in the city. The circumstances were unclear. The videos could not initially be verified.
The state news agency IRNA said that the police had prevented the demonstrators from entering. She published several photos of chaotic street scenes with burnt-out shops. This information could not initially be verified independently. The Oslo-based human rights organization Hengaw, which maintains contacts in the region, reported clashes with security forces in Mahabad in which at least one protester was said to have been killed.
Crowds took to the streets of Iran again on Wednesday, 40 days after the death of young Iranian Kurd Mahsa Amini. More than 10,000 people gathered in Amini's hometown of Saghes alone, according to Iranian news agency Isna. In Iran, people traditionally mourn the death of a family member for 40 days. Activists had therefore called for nationwide protests. There were reports of protests in at least 33 cities.
The trigger for the system-critical mass protests in Iran was the death of the 22-year-old Iranian Kurd Mahsa Amini. The vice squad arrested her for allegedly violating Islamic dress codes. The woman died in police custody on September 16. Since her death, thousands have been demonstrating across the country against the government's repressive course and the Islamic system of rule.
