The tragedy that befell Mahsa Amini, 22, who was beaten to death by police for failing to comply with the country’s mandatory hijab law, sparked outrage among the women in Iran. Beginning on 16th September, women took to the streets to protest against the police brutality against women, with many putting their lives in danger, including a 20-year-old Iranian woman shot dead by authorities.
Masih Alinejad, an Iranian journalist and activist, announced Hadis Najafi’s tragic death on Sunday (25th September), via her Twitter account @AlinejadMasih. It was revealed that the victim was shot six times by the Islamic Republic’s security forces during a mass protest in Karaj.
https://twitter.com/AlinejadMasih/status/1573963922306129920
The post included a series of videos of the victim, including one in which she bravely joined the protest in the streets while tying up her unscarved hair. According to reports, the victim suffered injuries to her abdomen, neck, heart, and hand and was later pronounced dead on Wednesday (21st September) after being taken to Ghaem Hospital following the attack.
The journalist shared another video from Hadis Najafi’s funeral, in which women dressed in black surrounded her picture and mourned, with the caption, “This is the funeral of 20-year-old #HadisNajafi, who was shot dead on the streets by security forces for protesting. Hadis was a kind-hearted girl and loved dancing. She was protesting against the brutal death of #MahsaAmini. Their crime: wanting freedom.”
People from all over the world expressed their solidarity with the Iranian women and offered their prayers to those who lost their lives in the protest. According to Iranian media, 35 people have died in the latest protests, but unofficial media reports claim that the death toll is much higher.
This is the funeral of 20 year old #HadisNajafi, who was shot dead on the streets by security forces for protesting. Hadis was a kind hearted girl & loved dancing. She was protesting against the brutal death of #MahsaAmini. Their crime: wanting freedom.
pic.twitter.com/tduxVe1SZf— Masih Alinejad 🏳️ (@AlinejadMasih) September 25, 2022
The sacrifices of the deceased will not be in vain as the Iranian women continue their ardent pursuit for freedom with Hadis Najafi serving as the movement’s new symbol following the murder of Mahsa Amini. Our hearts go out to both victims, as well as all the women who have suffered under the regime.
Watch the video here:
Sources: Twitter, Chinapress, Iranwire, Youtube
Neetashini Kanendran contributed to this article
