Reflection of 'Mahsa's Anniversary' in World Media, Signs Indicate the Movement is Alive

The anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death while in the custody of the morality police has drawn the attention of international media. NPR reported that 'despite repression, signs indicate that the protest movement is alive. Readers continue to produce protest songs, many women are still seen freely without hijabs in public places, and activists continue to share anti-government messages on social media.' Reuters reported, citing witnesses, social media posts, and human rights groups, that regime security forces have been deployed in her hometown to prevent unrest on the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death. Arab News also reported that the Iranian regime has warned it will not tolerate any signs of 'instability' on the first anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death. It further noted that security intelligence agencies have warned they will identify and hand over those who wish to take to the streets in the coming days to judicial authorities. NBC described Mahsa Amini as a symbol of protesters opposing the authoritarian regime in Iran, stating that the Iranian government, fearing protests on the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death, has emphasized its determination for a new round of repression. The Jerusalem Post quoted Dr. Raz Zimet, an expert on Iranian affairs at the National Security Studies Institute in Israel, stating that if in the early months following the protests over Mahsa Amini's death it seemed that 'perhaps the Iranian regime intended to be a bit flexible regarding hijab, I think today we are in a situation where we know it has no such intention.' Zimet noted that on the other hand, there is a fundamental change since the protests over Mahsa Amini's death, with more and more women going out in public without hijabs. CNBC also mentioned this change, stating that despite the Iranian regime's violent crackdown on protests following Mahsa Amini's death, women in many parts of Iran are refusing to wear hijabs. The network referenced photos and videos showing women in restaurants and shopping centers in Tehran without headscarves. The Lancet, one of the most prestigious medical journals, stated that Mahsa Amini's death 'sparked unprecedented protests across the country that continue today in quieter forms. Women publicly cut their hair, burned their hijabs, and confronted riot police. These protests are the most direct threat to the Iranian regime since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.' Variety interviewed Farhad Dolaram, the director of the film 'Achilles,' which was being filmed at the time of Mahsa Amini's death. Dolaram stated that at the end of 'Achilles,' the phrase appears before the closing credits: 'Dedicated to the people of Iran who can no longer tolerate the walls. I know you do not have a crystal ball for predictions, but do you think the motivation that the Woman, Life, Freedom movement created can soon bring down the walls of Iran?' The Washington Post quoted Ramtin Fatehi in Berlin, stating that his family members were arrested due to last year's protests against Mahsa Amini's death in Sanandaj, the capital of Kurdistan province in Iran, and now 'the Ministry of Intelligence summons one of our family members each week and threatens them to refrain from participating in protests on the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death.' The beginning of chants of 'Death to Khamenei' ahead of the anniversary of 'Mahsa Amini'; September 15 in Ekbatan town. On the line: September 16; the first anniversary of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. A tightening security pressure on the families seeking justice to prevent the commemoration of Mahsa Amini's anniversary. The message from the U.S. Secretary of State on the anniversary of Mahsa's death: The name Zhina has become a symbol of the courage of the Iranian people. Statement from Joe Biden on the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death: America stands with the Iranian people. Anniversary of Mahsa; Marco Rubio and Alejandro Padilla called for the passage of the 'Mahsa Law' in the Senate.