Anniversary of Mahsa; Reactions from World Leaders on the Anniversary of the Start of 'Women, Life, Freedom' Protests

On the first anniversary of the killing of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini while in the custody of the Islamic Republic's morality police, several world leaders issued messages commemorating her memory and reaffirming their support for the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests. Joe Biden, the President of the United States, stated: 'Jill and I, along with people around the world, remember her and all the brave Iranian citizens who have been killed, injured, or imprisoned by the Iranian regime for their peaceful demands for democracy and human dignity.' According to him, Mahsa's story did not end with her 'brutal killing' but rather she became an inspiration for the historic 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement that has impacted Iran and people around the world who tirelessly defend gender equality and respect for human rights. Kamala Harris, the U.S. Vice President, while honoring Mahsa's memory, reiterated their support for Iranian women fighting for freedom and human rights. She added, 'I am inspired by their courage. We will continue to hold accountable the Iranian officials and institutions responsible for human rights violations.' Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, remarked: 'A year ago, the tragic and senseless death of Mahsa in custody of Iran's so-called 'morality police' sparked protests across Iran that faced unimaginable violence, mass arrests, systematic internet disruptions, and censorship by the Iranian regime.' Blinken added, 'We will continue to work with our international partners to take appropriate actions to hold accountable those who suppress Iranians' enjoyment of human rights.' Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, referred to the 'tragic' end of Mahsa's life last September, stating: 'Her courage inspired a movement that has remained steadfast against ongoing brutality.' She added, 'The United States' commitment to stand with the people of Iran will remain unwavering.' Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, stated that the 22-year-old Mahsa was brutally killed and that 'her murder' sparked the historic 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement. She added, 'We remember her. We honor her legacy. We stand with those fighting for freedom in Iran.' Olaf Scholz, the Chancellor of Germany, posted a brief message of 'Women, Life, Freedom' in both German and English on social media. Annalena Baerbock, the German Foreign Minister, commemorating Mahsa and hundreds of young Iranians, said they should have been the future of Iran, but the Islamic Republic's brutal violence robbed them of that future. According to her, the slogan 'Zan, Zindagi, Azadi' has resonated globally, becoming a symbol of Iranian women's courage against oppression. Melanie Joly, the Canadian Foreign Minister, referenced sanctions imposed against six Iranian officials, stating her country has acted relentlessly against the Iranian regime and its suppressors. Catherine Colonna, the French Foreign Minister, on the anniversary of Mahsa's death, stated: 'I pay tribute to her and the courage of all those who defend women's rights in Iran and around the world.' She added, 'France is at the forefront of the fight for equal rights.' The Norwegian Foreign Ministry, referring to the 'concerning' human rights situation in Iran, stated that the Islamic Republic must respect freedom of expression and assembly, and Norway will continue to raise its concerns in this regard. Penny Wong, the Australian Foreign Minister, in her remarks honoring Mahsa's memory, said: 'We urge Iran to listen to its people. Women, Life, Freedom.' Nanaia Mahuta, the New Zealand Foreign Minister, stated her country remains deeply concerned about the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran and has imposed travel restrictions against 55 Iranian officials. She noted that New Zealand will continue to closely monitor the situation in Iran and respond appropriately to any concerning developments. As a year has passed since Mahsa's killing and the start of peaceful protests by Iranians met with violent repression by the Islamic Republic, the United States and its allies, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and the European Union, have imposed a new round of sanctions against officials and institutions responsible for repressing Iranian protesters.