Townsville protesters cut hair in solidarity for Iranian unrest after death of Mahsa Amini

A group of women have cut their hair in a show of solidarity for the protesters in Iran calling for the end of the Republic, after the death of a young woman in police custody.

Protest against death of Iranian women Mahsa Amini on the Strand. Shahen Wheatley (left) and Mayor Jenny Hill. Picture: Evan Morgan

A group of Townsville women have cut their hair in a show of solidarity for the protesters in Iran calling for the end of the Republic, after the death of a young woman in police custody.

In a meeting on Saturday, members of Townsville’s Iranian community, as well as representatives from Amnesty International, and Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill gathered on The Strand.

The event marked the passing of the 40th day since the death of 22-year-old Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini, who was killed after being taken into custody by the morality police.

The Iranian Guard on Sunday warned protesters “do not come to the streets”.

Chants of “woman, life, freedom” were made by speakers who called for the continued protest against Ms Amini’s death.

Protest against death of Iranian women Mahsa Amini on The Strand. Shahen Wheatley. Picture: Evan Morgan

Event organiser, Shahen Wheatley, has kept up the call for Iran’s voice to be heard.

“(We want to) keep pressure on the government that even though they shut down social media, people are watching – and this demonstration is in the same light and echoing Iranian voices,” Ms Wheatley said.

Shahen Wheatley (left) and Mayor Jenny Hill. Picture: Evan Morgan

Co-conveyor of Townsville Amnesty International, Peter Hanley, said it was important people stayed “outraged and informed” over Ms Amini’s death and the subsequent bloodshed.

Dr Rosita Parnian gave a moving speech before cutting her hair in a show of solidarity and

chants of “woman, life, freedom” were sounded.

Ms Hill said it was important to stand up against injustices.

“We have issues in this country around domestic violence and family violence and things like that, but no one should be bashed to death by morality police,” Ms Hill said.

“It just seems insane in this day and age, it really does.”

Originally published as Townsville protesters cut hair in solidarity for Iranian unrest after death of Mahsa Amini