Iranian Protests Taking off in 100 Cities, 30 Provinces, with Dozens Killed and Widespread Arrests

Protests in Iran over the death of Mahsa Amini while in police custody have spread even further across the country as the Iranian regime has ramped up efforts to crack down on the demonstrations. Protests have spread to 100 Iranian cities and 30 provinces, leaving dozens dead and resulting in widespread arrests.

Protesters have set fire to police and government buildings, while a government enforcer was killed in a stabbing by protesters during attempts to impose order. The increasingly violent protests broke out over the death of Amini, who was arrested by Iranian morality police for not wearing a head covering in public.

The demonstrations have become especially violent in Iran's Kurdish minority region in the northeast, where police fired on protesters, killing five. Amini was a Kurd.

Video provided to American media from Iran shows protesters engaging in violent clashes with authorities, marching the streets, and setting buildings on fire. Police attempting to disperse the crowd with tear gas are shown being overwhelmed and fleeing from protesters down city streets.

The demonstrations, which have produced scenes reminiscent of the Arab Spring that spread across the Middle East just over a decade ago, come at a critical time for the Biden administration, which has been working to resurrect the Obama-era nuclear deal with Iran and made at least some strides toward an agreement in recent months. (FN / VFI News)

“God, we ask that you protect Iranian women who are protesting for their right to be treated and respected equally to Iranian men, and that you cease hostilities from both sides, leading to a peaceful cohabitation.”