September 16 marked the first anniversary of Iran’s 2022 nationwide uprising, which began after the regime’s security forces murdered Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman. People held protest rallies and strikes despite severe security measures by the regime.
Protests in Iran continued on Sunday, despite widespread repression of the protesters by the state security forces.
On Sunday, protesters in the city of Hamedan shouted, “Death to the Islamic Republic.” Security forces fired at the demonstrators.
In this regard, Maryam Rajavi the president elect of the Iranian resistance, condemned the brutal suppression of protesters in Hamedan.
Rising up and overthrowing the regime is the only way to get rid of a criminal regime that does not respect Iranian women and men.
— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) September 17, 2023
Human rights groups reported the detention of several protesters in several cities, including in Saqqez and Sanandaj.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Intelligence of the Iranian regime warned that actions may be taken against foreign media outlets that Tehran accuses of fueling the protests in the country.
The protests in Iran have garnered attention from many world politicians.
Robert Menendez, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called for accountability from the Iranian regime by the international community on the occasion of the first anniversary of the “beating and murder of Mahsa Amini at the hands of the Iranian regime.”
Senator Menendez spoke about the Iranian protests, from Tehran to Mahabad and Isfahan, stating that Iranian men and women took to the streets in over 133 cities and all provinces to defend their fellow citizens, their lives, and their freedoms.
Menendez said that despite the intentional blinding of the protesters, the use of military ammunition by the regime’s agents, and the issuance of death sentences, the people of Iran continued their demonstrations day by day, exposing themselves to the dangers of intimidation, violence, imprisonment, and death.
The American senator further added that the international community owes it to the people of Iran to never allow the Islamic Republic to escape the crimes committed during its brutal crackdown.
Menendez said that while the brave people of Iran continue to be suppressed by the Islamic Republic, the international community is owing “full support” to the Iranian people.
Jim Risch, a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, also emphasized his renewed support for the people of Iran on the occasion of the first anniversary of Mahsa’s murder.
According to this prominent Republican senator, simultaneous with the release of Iranian assets by the Biden administration, further actions must be taken to hold the regime accountable for serious human rights violations and its support of terrorism.
On the one-year anniversary of Mahsa Amini's murder, I reaffirm my support for the people of #Iran. As the #BidenAdmin unfreezes funds for Iran, more must be done to hold the regime accountable for its egregious human rights abuses, and support for terror.
— Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member (@SenateForeign) September 16, 2023
Claudia Tenney, a Republican member of the House of Representatives, posted a video commemorating Mahsa and highlighting her lasting impact on Iran and the world. She called for the support of human rights and human dignity in Iran and throughout the world.
Today, we come together to remember & honor Mahsa Amini, a courageous 22-year-old Iranian woman who has continued to make a lasting impact on Iran & the world.
Let us continue to advocate for protecting human rights & the dignity of all individuals in Iran & around the world. pic.twitter.com/IfWWWq9UnW
— Rep. Claudia Tenney (@RepTenney) September 16, 2023
In Tehran, nightly protests were reported in several cities, where protesters chanted slogans against the regime and supreme leader Ali Khamenei.
