Iran (MNN) — In Iran, 22-year-old Mahsa Amini went from police custody to the hospital, her uncle tells Reuters. She then fell into a coma and passed away on Friday.
Morality police deny beating her, saying instead that she suffered a heart attack. The police detained Mahsa for refusing to wear a hijab.
Like Mahsa, thousands of women across Iran have joined the anti-hijab movement. Weeks of protests and social media campaigns have led to countless arrests.
“Iranian women are seeking freedom and liberty. They have come to the realization that Islam can no longer dictate to us to wear hijab to cover our hair,” Lily Meschi with Iran Alive Ministries says.
“They say, ‘Even if they kill us out in the streets, we’ve got nothing else to lose. We’re going to stand up together to earn our rights here.’”
Imposed after the 1979 revolution, Iran’s sharia (Islamic) law demands women cover their hair and wear long, loose-fitting clothes to disguise their figures. Violators face public rebuke, fines, or arrest.
“People of Iran thought the Islamic Revolution would bring them the democracy they sought. After 40+ years, they realize that the government oppresses the people, especially Iranian women,” Meschi says.
Pray Iran Alive Ministries can introduce women to the freedom that comes only through Christ. “We utilize satellite TV to share the Gospel with women, and we also disciple them through the broadcast,” Meschi says.
Learn more about the work of Iran Alive Ministries here.
Header image depicts women in Iran wearing the traditional hijab and loose-fitting clothing required by sharia law. (Photo courtesy of mostafa meraji/Unsplash)
