Fresh protests were reported in several Iranian cities after memorial services for those killed by security forces in ongoing demonstrations turned violent, Iran International reported. Large crowds gathered around Hamidreza Rouhi’s grave at the Behesht-e Zahra cemetery in Tehran on the 40th day of her death. Hamidreza Rouhi was a university student and model who was shot dead on November 18, according to the report.
“This dead flower was an offering to the country,” the crowd chanted. People were also heard chanting against Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
“Down with the dictator,” people can be heard saying in the video of the protests.
“Poverty, corruption, high cost of living, We will continue until the overthrow [of the regime]”the crowd chanted.
Security forces tried to stop the crowd using tear gas, according to the report, adding that the forces fired buckshot.
Hamidreza Rouhi’s parents were not allowed to attend the memorial and were even prevented from leaving their home.
Mass protests in Iran were sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini after she was detained by the country’s controversial morality police. According to Amnesty International, as of November, the Iranian authorities are seeking the death penalty for at least 21 people in connection with the protests.
Mahsa Amini was arrested in Tehran on September 13 for “improperly” dressing, meaning not wearing the hijab correctly. Three days later, she died while in custody.
