A series of anti-government protests have erupted in cities across Iran.
The protests were originally a response to a young woman’s death while in police custody– but it appears to have struck a national nerve. The demonstrations have spread to dozens of cities, and 17 casualties have been reported.
The protests have included large numbers of women, who initially took to the streets in rare displays of defiance of the government and its enforcement of the country’s hijab law, which mandates covered hair and loose-fitting clothing for women.
The demonstrations have become widespread, with demands broadening to reflect ordinary Iranians’ anger over their living conditions after years of US led sanctions that have hobbled the economy, as well as widespread corruption and economic mismanagement. With extraordinary scenes of dissent and calls to end the Islamic republic, the protests have become one of the most visible challenges to the Iranian government.
