In a statement, the Norway-based human rights group Hengaw said several Kurdish cities in western Iran “have experienced an atmosphere of intimidation and the declaration of a state of war in recent days”. The reports could not be immediately verified. Social media posts spoke of security force deployments in several cities, mainly within Kurdistan. The activists spoke on condition of anonymity, citing a fear of government reprisals amid a growing clampdown on dissent as the anniversary approached. In Amini’s birthplace in Iran's western province of Kurdistan, a rights activist said there was a 'heavy presence of security forces'.Īnother activist said a small gathering of protesters chanted anti-government slogans before quickly dispersing.

Over 500 people including 71 minors were killed in the protests, hundreds injured and thousands arrested in unrest that was eventually crushed by security forces, rights groups said. Many, with women and young people often at the forefront, called for an end to more than four decades of Shi'ite clerical rule. 16 of Amini, a 22-year-old Kurd arrested for allegedly flouting the Islamic Republic's mandatory dress code, sparked months of anti-government protests that spiraled into the biggest show of opposition to the authorities in years. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Iranian security forces deployed in the hometown of Mahsa Amini in anticipation of a flare-up in unrest marking this weekend's first anniversary of her death in morality police custody, witnesses, social media posts and rights groups said on Friday.

Choosy dress