Anniversary of Mahsa; Market Strike in Cities of at Least Three Provinces

Despite the Iranian government's extensive efforts to prevent any form of protest on the anniversary of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini's death, shopkeepers in various cities across the country, including three provinces of Kurdistan, West Azerbaijan, and Kermanshah, coordinated a strike on Saturday, September 16, closing their shops. Reports indicate that shopkeepers in Saqez, the birthplace of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini, are also participating in the strike. The Tasnim news agency, close to security institutions, claimed that the closure of shops in Saqez was due to a 'official holiday.' However, some social media users, pointing to widespread internet disruptions especially in cities of Kurdistan province, reported that strikes by shopkeepers were taking place in more cities across the country. Atena Daemi, a civil activist and former prisoner, mentioned the strike of shopkeepers in 13 cities on her X (formerly Twitter) page. According to reports received by VOA, a large number of shopkeepers in Sanandaj, the capital of Kurdistan province, also closed their shops. Meanwhile, security forces were reported to be patrolling Sanandaj, creating a tense security atmosphere in the city. The Telegram channel of the Free Workers Union also reported on the 'general strike' on this occasion in Divandareh, Kurdistan province, sharing images. Simultaneously, shopkeepers in Kermanshah closed their shops in a show of solidarity. Reports received by VOA indicated that shopkeepers in Dehgolan in Kurdistan province also participated in the strike. Shopkeepers in the Kurdish city of Bukan in West Azerbaijan province also went on strike coinciding with the anniversary of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini's death while in custody of the morality police. Efforts to prevent the commemoration of Mahsa Amini; the possibility of 'house arrest' for Mahsa's father and restrictions on access to the cemetery. Alongside the anniversary of Mahsa; protest gatherings in various cities around the world; extensive military presence and 'strikes' in Kurdish cities. Aida Younesi: The hunger strike of Ali Younesi and Amir Hossein Moradi will continue until the anniversary of Mahsa. Hunger strike of five political prisoners on the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death. End of Bahareh Heidari's hunger strike; 'My pledge is patriotic freedom-seeking until overthrow.'