Hundreds of women in Iran are being killed and risking their lives to demand change over Iranian women’s rights after the death of 22-year old, Mahsa Amini. On September 16, she was killed at the hands of police for not wearing her hijab in violation of Iran’s strict dress code. Iran’s morality police claim Mahsa died of a heart attack while detained from violating the mandatory hijab law, and fell into a coma. Her family continues to spread awareness of the truth of her being severely beaten, per eyewitness reports, of the women in jail with her, and at time of arrest. 

Amini’s death has gained worldwide attention from many protests beginning in Tehran Province, Iran. The protests started hours after her death, quicking spreading to other countries. In response, Iran imposed an internet blackout and nationwide restrictions such as curfew in efforts to conceal the situation. 

According to Alarabiya News, dating October 21, at least 244 people have been killed from the government’s intervention and 12,500 arrested.  These protests consist of women cutting their hair in the street and burning their hijabs.

As much as the government has tried to distort the facts about Amini’s death, this has gained international awareness in trying to gain justice for her death and fight for women’s freedom of choice in Iran. Celebrities and people across the world are sharing ways you can help. 

Angelina Jolie has recently spoken out against Mahsa’s death. “Respect to the brave, defiant, fearless woman of Iran,” Jolie said on Instagram.

“Me & my husband stand with the people of Iran fighting for freedom,” Brittney Spears said.

Maya Decola, a student at Niles North, is very vocal. “Obviously people know about this situation but I don’t think it’s being talked about enough and we need more awareness being brought to this issue,” Decola said. 

You can help the women in Iran and bring awareness to Mahsa’s injustice by donating or supporting human rights organizations. For instance, the Center of Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) works to protect human rights in Iran by researching and documenting human rights violations across the country. They also disclose these rights to the public to bring change. Doing your part is very important to help bring change.