Ahead of the Second Anniversary of Mahsa Amini's Death, a Car Rally was Held in Washington D.C.

As the second anniversary of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini's death approaches, vehicles carrying placards related to the nationwide protests of 'Women, Life, Freedom' moved through Washington, D.C. This rally, called by the 'National Solidarity for Iran' organization on Saturday, September 8, saw Iranians in approximately 40 cars travel from Virginia to the 'Washington Monument' in the heart of the U.S. capital. Participants carried flags of the lion and sun among other symbols. Civil, political, and human rights activists in various countries have issued similar calls for gatherings in the coming days. On the occasion of the second anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death while in the custody of the morality police, dozens of student organizations and women's rights activists have issued statements in recent days emphasizing the continuation of the struggle against the 'inhumane government' of the Islamic Republic and the 'multiplication of resistance and struggle.' The Islamic Republic has resorted to its usual methods of intimidation and repression against citizens, activists, and families seeking justice. In the past week, at least 12 citizens from Kurdish regions in western Iran and members of families seeking justice have been arrested by the Islamic Republic's agents. Following Mahsa (Zhina) Amini's death in custody on September 16, 2022, unprecedented widespread protests against the Islamic Republic emerged in Iran, and despite the violent repression of protesters by government agents, street protests continued for months. These protests were pursued daily by demonstrators opposing compulsory hijab and advocating for women's right to choose their attire. The statement from student organizations on the second anniversary of the nationwide protests: 'We neither forgive nor forget.' The wave of arrests of citizens from Kurdish regions comes ahead of the second anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death. Narges Mohammadi's message to the Nobel Peace Conference: 'The ability of women in Iran to resist is inspiring; we are not afraid of execution.' Over 20 independent Iranian women's organizations: 'The 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement has entered a new phase.'