Extensive Deployment of Government Forces and Severe Internet Disruption in Saqqez Ahead of Mahsa Amini's Death Anniversary

Informed sources have reported to the Persian section of Voice of America about the deployment of a large number of government agents throughout the city of Saqqez and severe internet disruptions in several cities, including Saqqez and Sanandaj, ahead of the second anniversary of Mahsa (Jina) Amini's death while in the custody of the morality police. According to these sources, checkpoints have been established at the entrances and exits of Saqqez and in several neighborhoods in Sanandaj. The Hengaw Human Rights Organization reported on Thursday, September 13, that 'a large number of government repressive forces have entered the city of Saqqez from the Boukan road.' Some journalists have also reported a heavy presence of 'armed agents' in the city. Nazila Maroufian, a journalist, wrote in a note on the social media platform 'X': 'Saqqez citizens report the presence of a large number of armed agents in the city ahead of the second anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death.' Earlier, Amjad Amini, Mahsa Amini's father, announced that if the government does not intervene and 'considering the calls and requests from the people,' the anniversary ceremony for his daughter will be held on Sunday, September 17. Mojgan Eftekhari and Amjad Amini, Mahsa Amini's parents, wrote in a note on Instagram: 'We, the family of Jina, like any grieving family, will gather at the grave of our beloved daughter Jina (Mahsa) Amini to hold the traditional and religious anniversary ceremony.' Reports indicate that in the days leading up to the second anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death and the beginning of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests, several citizens and civil activists have been arrested, and the Islamic Republic's agents have increased pressure on the families of those seeking justice. The Independent International Committee of the United Nations warned today in a new report that the Iranian government has intensified its efforts to suppress the fundamental rights of women and girls and 'destroy the remnants of women's activities' two years after the start of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests that emerged following Mahsa Amini's death in the custody of the morality police. The Independent Film Makers Association of Iran stated: 'The humanitarian and justice-seeking movement of 'Women, Life, Freedom' is not suppressible.' The UN fact-finding committee reported that the Iranian government has intensified its efforts to suppress women and girls on the second anniversary of the nationwide protests. Security pressures continue ahead of the anniversary of the protests; 14 members of the Kurdistan Teachers' Association have been summoned. A security atmosphere prevails in the Kurdish regions of Iran; arrests continue.