Iran on Friday continued to step up its violent crackdown on nationwide protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini – a 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian woman arrested by police last week for an alleged violation of the country’s ultra-conservative dress code. – which has become a symbol for national anger over poverty, repression, clerical control and government impunity.
More than 30 people, the majority in the Kurdistan province of Amini, were killed and hundreds more were injured or arrested, according to rights groups and news reports. The government has blocked Instagram and WhatsApp and cut off or slowed internet and cellular service across much of the country.
Iran’s military and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have warned they will step up their crackdown if the protests don’t stop – although on Friday there were no signs of the unrest abating and anger.
Here’s what you need to know about what’s happening in Iran.
