Iran Bans Commemorative Gatherings for Protesters' Deaths, Suppressing Families' Rights

The families of individuals who were killed during protests in Iran last year are claiming that authorities have prevented them from holding memorials on the anniversaries of their loved ones' deaths. Nasrin Shakarami, whose 16-year-old daughter Nika became a symbol of the nationwide unrest, stated that she was forced to cancel a vigil for her daughter due to concerns for participants' safety. Nika's sister, Aida, shared that officials threatened their mother with arrest if she visited Nika's grave. Security forces have killed hundreds of people during a violent crackdown since the protests began. The demonstrations were sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, who was detained by morality police for allegedly not wearing her hijab correctly. Nika set fire to her headscarf at a protest in Tehran and subsequently went missing. Her body was discovered at a mortuary 10 days later. The families of Mahsa Amini and Minoo Majidi, another victim, were also discouraged from holding vigils at their graves. Authorities detained Mahsa Amini's father, while the husband of Minoo Majidi was summoned to sign a pledge promising not to hold any anniversary events. Javad Heydari's family was attacked by security forces, and his sister stated that their brother Ruhollah was taken hostage. The outspoken mother of Erfan Rezaei, who was killed during protests, was arrested, and her social media account was deactivated. While deadly force against protesters is not uncommon in Iran, preventing families from grieving is a new and alarming development.