Arrest of Hanieh Tosoli on the Anniversary of Mahsa; Rasoul Khadem's Instagram Account Unavailable

As pressures on protesters in Iran increase on the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death, Hanieh Tosoli's sister announced her arrest on her Instagram page. Rasoul Khadem's Instagram account, a former world and Olympic wrestling champion, has also become unavailable. Tanaz, Hanieh Tosoli's sister, wrote in her Instagram story: "My sister Hanieh Tosoli was arrested tonight, September 25, 2023, at 11:45 PM at her home and taken to an unknown location." Hanieh Tosoli is a prominent Iranian filmmaker who has previously supported nationwide protests and posted critical content on her now-unavailable Instagram account. Mahnaz Afshar, a well-known Iranian actress, referred to Hanieh Tosoli as "a noble and free person" in a post on social media, noting that she has stepped back from acting since Mahsa Amini's death. Additionally, Rasoul Khadem's Instagram account became unavailable on Saturday, September 25. On the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death in the custody of the morality police, Khadem wrote on Instagram: "As I burn, may you burn too, sew a shroud for your loved ones, for our wrestling partner is without mercy." The pressure on civil activists and families seeking justice has increased in the weeks leading up to the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death, with the repressive forces of the Islamic Republic arresting several of them. These arrests continued on Saturday, September 25. With the expansion of protests against the Islamic Republic in Iran, sociologist Shahla Shafigh stated to Voice of America that the majority of the Iranian people have realized that religion is "a tool for the power of the rulers." Maryam Shari'atmadari, a political activist, also stated that "our problem is with the entire Islamic Republic" and that "society will never go back." U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken remarked that "a year ago, the tragic and unreasonable death of Mahsa in the custody of the so-called 'morality police' in Iran sparked protests across Iran that faced unimaginable violence, mass arrests, systematic internet disruptions, and censorship by the Iranian regime." He added, "We will continue to take appropriate actions alongside our international partners to hold accountable those who suppress the Iranian people's human rights." U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield also referred to the "tragic" end of Mahsa's life last September, stating: "Her courage inspired a movement that has remained resilient against ongoing brutality." She added, "The United States' commitment to stand with the people of Iran will remain unwavering."