Demonstrations have erupted across Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman detained by the country’s “morals police” on the streets of Tehran over the style of her hijab. Amini was taken away in a van by police officers, fell into a coma in police custody and died two days later.
While Iranian officials say she died of a heart attack, a UN report along with Amini’s relatives say she was brutalized during her arrest and later died, presumably from his injuries.
More from Billboard
Amini’s death was a catalyst, with men and women rushing to the streets of Iran to have their grievances heard. Beyond mandatory hijabs, these grievances include unfair elections, rising levels of poverty, and lack of freedom of speech, among others. Last week, demonstrations crossed Iranian borders, with demonstrators taking to the streets in London, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Berlin and Paris, in support of Iranians. On TikTok, users are cutting their hair in solidarity with Iranian women who have lost their lives at the hands of the oppressive regime, with the latest death toll standing at 76, according to the BBC.
Celebrities like Justin Bieber, Bella Hadid and Dua Lipa have taken to social media, posting photos and videos drawing attention to the struggle for women’s rights in Iran.
Bella Hadid
Hadid posted about Amini twice, once on September 20 and again on September 26. “Sending blessings to family and loved ones.” Her second article drew comparisons between the struggle for women’s rights in Iran and places like the United States and India. She used a caption written by writer Céline Semaan, calling for an internet blackout in Iran and the country’s patriarchy.
justin bieber
Bieber shared a message from Eva Mendes about Amini’s death to her Instagram Story on September 25.
Doua Lipa
In addition to posting on social media, Dua Lipa took to Twitter Live to discuss Amini and the protests that followed. “The images of women protesting in the streets cutting their hair and burning their hijabs are one of the most powerful and inspiring things I have seen in many years,” she said. “To all listeners in Iran or from Iran, we see you, we hear you and we stand in solidarity with you.”
yungblud
During his performance at the Firefly Music Festival in Dover, Delaware, English singer Yungblud interrupted his set to vent his frustrations with the Islamic Republic. “I’m so angry right now,” he began. “Last year in Iran, a girl named Mahsa Amini was murdered for wearing her hair outside her hijab.” The singer went on to say that he would fight for the women of Iran and their right to speak out. He was greeted with widespread cheers from the audience. “It’s up to us to speak for them,” he said, referring to the internet blackouts.
Ricky Martin
The Puerto Rican star posted an image of Amini with the caption “Say her name” and the hashtag #MahsaAmini.
Angelina Jolie
Jessica Chastain
Chastain shared a number of posts drawing attention to the struggle of women in Iran. “When a woman is attacked, it is an attack on [us] everything she wrote.
Snoh Aalegra
Iranian-Swedish singer Snoh Aalegra expressed her grief for the people of Iran, writing, “I stand in solidarity with my beautiful sisters who are risking their lives standing up against the patriarchy.
Halsey
Halsey has posted a number of Instagram stories sharing information about Amini and the struggle in Iran to her 30 million followers.
Click here to read the full article.