Mahsa Amini protests facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mahsa Amini protests
Part of the Iranian protests against compulsory hijab and the aftermath of the death of Mahsa Amini
Date	16 September 2022 – present (2022-09-16 – present) (2 years, 9 months, 1 week and 1 day)
Location	Iran, with solidarity rallies worldwide
Caused by	Death of Mahsa Amini Mandatory hijab law since 1979 Protests and crackdowns against the Iranian Democracy Movement, and Girls of Enghelab protests Human rights abuses perpetrated by the Morality Police Killing of hundreds of protesters
Goals	Toppling of the Iranian regime The protection of civil and political rights, including women's rights Revoking mandatory religious requirements, such as the mandatory hijab law Dissolution of the Morality Police Prosecuting the killers of Mahsa Amini Police and government reforms
Methods	Demonstrations Strikes Civil disobedience, including defiance of hijab laws
Status	Ongoing

The Mahsa Amini protests started on September 16, 2022. These protests began after the death of a young woman named Mahsa Amini. She died while she was held by the police in Tehran, Iran. Mahsa Amini had been detained because she was not wearing her hijab (a head covering) in the way the law required.

The police in Iran said that Mahsa Amini had a heart attack and collapsed. They stated she fell into a coma before going to the hospital. However, other people who were with Mahsa Amini said she died because of police actions. The Iranian authorities have said this is not true.

What Caused the Protests?

The protests quickly spread from Mahsa Amini's hometown to other cities. They grew across Iranian Kurdistan and all over Iran. People were upset about Mahsa Amini's death. They were also protesting the strict rules about wearing the hijab.

The government responded to the protests in several ways. They often blocked the internet and limited social media. They also used tear gas and sometimes gunfire against the protesters.

How Big Were the Protests?

These protests have been a very big challenge for the Iranian government. Many people say they are the biggest since the Iranian Revolution in 1979. The protests have happened all over the country. People from different social groups, universities, and schools have joined in.

As of September 15, 2023, at least 551 people had been killed. This happened because the government tried to stop the protests. Also, about 19,262 people have been arrested. These arrests took place in at least 134 cities and towns. They also happened at 132 universities.

Who Is Protesting?

Women and even schoolgirls have played a very important part in these demonstrations. They are asking for more rights for women. But the protests are also asking for bigger changes. Many protesters want to change the government in Iran. This is different from past protests, which often focused on election results or money problems.

Many countries and groups around the world have spoken out against how the Iranian government has handled these protests.

See also

In Spanish: Protestas por la muerte de Mahsa Amini para niños