Iranian community preparing to mark 1 year anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death

Winnipeg’s Iranian community is planning to commemorate the one year anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini.

The 22-year-old died in custody after she was detained by Iran’s morality police.

“She was murdered for improperly wearing the hijab,” said Arian Arianpour, president of the Iranian Community of Manitoba.

Her death sparked international protests against Iran’s government, and inspired the Woman Life Freedom movement, calling for women’s rights in the country.

The demonstrations resulted in a crackdown that saw many arrests by police.

“It’s the one year that marks that things are not over yet,” said Bahar Jafari Jozani. She still has family in Iran that she worries about.

Bahar Jafari Jozani. The Jozani family plans to attend the event at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights on Saturday. (Photo Credit: Joanne Roberts, CityNews)

“I have a brother, 9-years-old and his name is also Kian. I remember hearing that news and just, I felt like somebody had poured ice all over my body,” she explained.

She says over the last year, there have been too many reports of people being killed by government security forces.

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In particular, the shooting of a young boy, Kian Pirfalak, hit her hard.

Arianpour says many Iranians in Winnipeg are stressed with the coming anniversary, but they’re holding out hope people will show their support to the community.

“It is very important to understand that while the protests are not happening every day, the Woman Life Freedom revolution is still ongoing,” explained Arianpour.

“Security forces have gone so far to even imprison the family members of those who they murdered themselves. Just for a second, close your eyes and imagine your loved ones were killed. And now you’re being executed for seeking justice. That is the situation in Iran today.”

President of the Iranian Community of Manitoba, Arian Arianpour, says people are stressed with the upcoming anniversary … but they remain hopeful. (Photo Credit: Joanne Roberts, CityNews)

Organizers say revolutionary Iranian music ringing out on the steps of the human rights museum this weekend will bring hope, support, and solidarity to the community’s relatives and friends back home.

“The question is not if the Islamic Republic will be toppled, the question is when? And that makes me very hopeful,” said Arianpour.

Bahar added, “Just don’t forget about the people in Iran. It’s not just about them and their culture. It’s also about women’s rights, which I think is a value that’s very important to Canada itself.”

The protest begins at 1 p.m. on Saturday, in front of the Canadian Museum of Human Rights.