Protests Continue Across Iran on Mahsa's Anniversary with the Slogan 'We Will Take Back Iran'

Public protests continue on the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death on the evening of September 16 in various cities across Iran. Reports received by Voice of America and shared on social media indicate that as night fell, gatherings continued in different cities, with some protesters chanting against the Islamic Republic from rooftops and windows. A photo report from Sistan and Baluchestan shows protesters lighting fires in the street, chanting 'Death to Khamenei,' 'Death to the dictator,' 'Death to the oppressor,' and 'Political prisoners must be freed,' while holding placards with slogans like 'All for the overthrow of the dictator' and 'Woman, Life, Freedom.' Two video reports from Arak show a large group of protesters chanting 'This year is the year of blood, Seyyed Ali (Khamenei) will be overthrown' and 'Death to the dictator.' Another citizen report from Arak documents evening protests with chants of 'Death to the Sepah (Revolutionary Guards),' 'Death to Khomeini,' and 'Death to Khamenei.' In Tehran, two women are seen standing on a platform without their mandatory hijab, receiving support from drivers honking their horns. A citizen report from Boulevard Ferdows in western Tehran captures nighttime chants from rooftops and windows saying 'Death to Khamenei' and 'Death to the dictator.' Another report from Gohardasht in Alborz province shows a group of protesters chanting 'We are a great nation, we will take back Iran.' Reports indicate a 'security atmosphere' in areas including downtown Tehran near the City Theater on September 25. A video report shows the Islamic Republic's repressive forces firing at protesters in Mashhad. Eyewitnesses have reported widespread strikes in cities in Kurdistan province and a state of 'martial law.' U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that 'a year ago, the tragic and senseless death of Mahsa in the custody of Iran's so-called 'morality police' sparked protests across Iran, facing unprecedented violence, mass arrests, systematic internet disruptions, and censorship by the Iranian regime.' He added, 'We will continue to work with our international partners to hold accountable those who suppress Iranians' human rights.' U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield referred to the 'tragic' end of Mahsa's life last September, stating, 'Her courage has inspired a movement that has remained steadfast against ongoing brutality.' Robert Menendez, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, also issued a statement on September 25, marking the first anniversary of 'the brutal beating and killing of Mahsa Jina Amini by the Iranian regime,' calling for the international community to hold the Islamic Republic accountable.