Protests Worldwide Marking Mahsa's Anniversary; Heavy Military Presence and 'Strike' in Kurdish Cities

On the anniversary of Mahsa (Jina) Amini's death while in custody of the morality police, a series of protests by Iranians began in various cities around the world from the early hours of Saturday, September 16. Concurrently, social media images indicate a 'general strike' by trades and businesses in Kurdish cities across different provinces in Iran. Meanwhile, social media reports show a significant military and security presence around Mahsa Amini's family home in Saqqez. Last week, despite multiple summons to security agencies, Mahsa's parents, Amjad Amini and Mojgan Eftekhar, announced in a joint statement that they would hold a 'religious and traditional ceremony' at their child's grave on Saturday, September 16, to commemorate her death. Images released by 'Hengaw' show a strong military and security presence around Mahsa Amini's family home in Saqqez. In the past few days, Mahsa Amini's family stated that security agencies had requested them to cancel the anniversary ceremony. Despite the pressures, Amjad Amini emphasized the importance of holding the memorial. He had previously stated in an interview with the Persian section of Voice of America: 'To honor the name and memory of Jina (Mahsa), the martyr, innocent, and pure soul, and to comfort the family and relatives and all her supporters, we intend to hold the anniversary ceremony this year. However, given the circumstances, we cannot officially invite people to the ceremony or tell them not to attend.' However, on the morning of Saturday, September 16, news sources, including the Telegram channel 1500 Image, reported that Amjad Amini had been arrested by security forces. According to these reports, he was detained by security forces while leaving his home and taken to an unknown location. Further reports indicate that Amjad Amini, who was arrested after leaving home, was returned home a few hours later. News sources report that he was 'threatened' to prevent him from attending his child's anniversary ceremony at her grave. Images received by Voice of America show businesses closed in some Kurdish cities. Other news sources, including the human rights organization 'Hengaw', reported a 'widespread strike' by merchants and economic activists in several Kurdish cities such as Sanandaj, Divandareh, and Baneh in commemoration of Mahsa Amini's death in police custody. The Telegram channel of the Free Workers' Union also reported a 'general strike' today, Saturday, September 16, in Divandareh, Kurdistan Province, for the same occasion. In recent days, coinciding with the first anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death, protests have emerged in various cities in Iran, facing severe repression from security forces and a significant military presence in the streets and public areas. Protests by Iranians in different cities worldwide were also reported, with social media images showing Iranians in New Zealand gathering to protest on the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death in custody of the morality police. Iranians in New Zealand held placards supporting the protest movement in Iran and shouted slogans advocating for democracy and freedom in Iran. Iranians residing in Australia also held a protest in Melbourne's central square on the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death. Images from this protest show Kylie Moore-Gilbert, a former prisoner in Iran, speaking at the event. Kylie Moore-Gilbert was arrested in Iran in 2018 and sentenced to 10 years in prison on espionage charges after 9 months of detention. She was released after 804 days in exchange for the freedom of three Iranian citizens abroad and returned to Australia. Images received by Voice of America depict the protest by Iranians in front of the Islamic Republic's embassy in Japan. In Iran, last night, on the eve of September 16, people in various cities shouted slogans against the Islamic Republic. This news is being updated.... US officials' reactions to the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death and the start of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement. Molavi Abdolhamid's reference to Mahsa's anniversary: When nations awaken, it is the beginning of their victory. Anniversary of Mahsa; US Deputy Secretary of State: The Islamic Republic has not learned from the protests. Statement by the US President on Mahsa's anniversary: We are committed to standing with the people of Iran. The US Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN: Mahsa Amini inspired a movement that continues. Anniversary of Mahsa; the White House: More sanctions against Islamic Republic officials are on the way. Anniversary of Mahsa; the American PEN Association: Human rights experts should examine the repression of writers and artists in Iran. The global media's reflection on 'Mahsa's anniversary' indicates that the movement persists. Anniversary of Mahsa; Marco Rubio and Alejandro Padilla called for the passage of the 'Mahsa Law' in the Senate.