Justice Denied: Mahsa Amini's Father Unjustly Detained on Heartbreaking Anniversary

Iranian journalists and rights groups have reported that the father of Mahsa Amini was taken into custody by the Iranian authorities on the first anniversary of her tragic death. Amini lost her life while under the custody of the morality police on September 16, 2022, following her arrest for supposedly not wearing her headscarf correctly. The news of her demise sparked widespread demonstrations across Iran.

Iranian journalist Maziar Bahari, the founder of activist outlet "IranWire," informed CNN that Amjad, the father of Amini, has been consistently called upon by security officers in the months subsequent to his daughter's tragic passing. Bahari added that, just today, Amjad was held in custody for a short period.

Aminis' family paid a visit to her grave in Saqqez, a city in western Kurdistan, on Friday, marking the eve of the one-year anniversary of her death, as reported by IranWire on Saturday. The Aichi cemetery was under surveillance with helicopters hovering above, along with a significant presence of military personnel and police officers throughout the vicinity, according to IranWire.

Amjad and his son were detained by authorities the following day. They were held for a period of three to four hours. During this time, Amjad's son was given a stern warning that he would be sent to a remote village if he continued to support and urge people to participate in ceremonies commemorating the anniversary of Amini's death, according to the account provided by Bahari to CNN.

Elahe Tavakolian is pictured in Milan, Italy, in August 2023.

Mark Esplin/CNN

One year after the death of Mahsa Amini, a protester who was shot in the eye during Iran's crackdown, she continues her struggle from exile. Despite reports of Amjad's detention, Iranian authorities strongly denied these claims on Saturday, with the state media news outlet IRNA labeling them as "false" in a post on Telegram.

Aminis uncle, Safa Aeli, residing in Saqqez, was arrested on Tuesday, as confirmed by a family member and reports from the Human Rights Activists News Agency. In response to Amini's death anniversary, protests ensued across Iran on Saturday. Authorities displayed a show of force by deploying armed guards and maintaining heavy security presence in various cities.

CNN obtained video footage that captured demonstrations taking place in various Iranian cities, including the capital Tehran, Mashad, Ahvaz, Lahijan, Arak, and the Kurdish city of Senandaj. The protesters were heard chanting "Women, Life, Freedom," which has become a popular rallying cry since nationwide protests erupted following the death of Amini last year. Additionally, some demonstrators also chanted slogans calling for the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

According to Hengaw, a Kurdish rights group, a minimum of 13 Kurdish cities in Amini's province have initiated a strike. Last September, the death of Amini gave rise to widespread protests in Iran, leading to a significant social movement where demonstrators expressed their discontent with the treatment of women by the regime and other related issues.

Following a subsequent crackdown, Iran's security forces caused the death of hundreds and detained thousands.

According to the UN, over 300 individuals, including more than 40 children, were killed during the protests in November of last year. In January, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported a higher death toll of over 500, including 70 children.

According to a report released by the UN in June, thousands were arrested during the months of nationwide protest, as highlighted by the research conducted by their Human Rights Committee last year. The UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights disclosed that seven protesters were executed by Iran for their participation in the unrest.