Iran is currently facing a wave of protests against the heavy restrictions on women’s choices and the situation has escalated to a fatal level, leaving many demonstrators dead while fighting for basic freedoms.

The largest anti-government protests in Iran since 2009, the demonstrations gained momentum on 18th September, triggered by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini who was killed while in custody of the morality police just days earlier.

Amini was arrested on accusations of violating Iran’s strict hijab rules and died three days later in hospital.

The demonstrations have been going on for 10 consecutive days and they are led by women taking a strong stand against the strict dress code which has, according to political risk firm Eurasia Group, intensified since the former judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi became president.

Nonetheless, the protests have resulted in dozens of casualties.

At least 41 people have reportedly died since the unrest began, most of which are protesters, but also security officials.

However, the Norwegian group Iran Human Rights (IHR) said at least 57 people have died, although consistent internet blackouts were making it hard to confirm the casualties.

Authorities have severely disrupted internet access and tightened restrictions on popular social media platforms like Instagram in order to curb the organisation of rallies.

However, this has been recognised as a serious breach against citizens’ freedoms. In fact, the US Treasury Department said it would allow tech firms to expand their businesses in Iran to boost internet access for the people.

Iran is also facing heavy US and international sanctions.

Meanwhile, hundreds of protestors, activists and journalists have been arrested, mostly during the night-time demonstrations.

Footage from the protests show women waving their headscarves in the air and chanting “freedom”, while men have cheered them on.

The protests have now escalated into an open resistance against the theocracy established after the Islamic Revolutions. “Death to the dictator” and “Mullahs must be gone” are just a couple of chants being used, according to Euronews.

Bernie is from north-west Ireland and this isn’t her first time attending a pro-choice rally on the island. Back in 2019, Bernie was in Malta protesting among several other people fighting for the decriminalisation and legalisation of abortion.

In her speech yesterday, she noted how other countries have improved their abortion laws since then, while Malta hasn’t.

“A lot has happened across the world since the last time I was here [2019]. The following months, abortion was decriminalised in Ireland. The following year, abortion was legalised in Argentina. Last year, abortion was legalised in Gibraltar and San Marino.”

“This is power, this is a snowball that is rolling and is not stopping. The numbers here are four times what they were the last time I was here and I hope that the next time I’m back, abortion would’ve been legalised in Malta because no one, anywhere should be telling women and pregnant people what they can do with their bodies.”

Many women around the globe have had enough of their choices being restricted due to religious or ‘moral’ reasons and it is very telling that some would rather risk their lives than live in a society that puts subjective values above their livelihoods.

As Bernie sternly argued, “no one, anywhere should tell women (and anyone for that matter) what to do with their bodies.”

What do you think should be done to help women in Iran?