Iran Anti-Hijab Protest: Member Of Armed Force Shot Dead During Demonstration, Says Report

Protests have erupted in Iran since Amini died in detention on September 16 after being arrested for allegedly violating the country's strict dress code for women.

(Representational Image) (File Photo)

Source : Getty

A member of Iran's security forces was shot dead during protests in Semirom on Sunday, more than 100 days after the killing of Mahsa Amini sparked widespread unrest, news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported quoting state TV reports. 

Protests called "riots" have rocked Iran's "authorities," since Amini, 22, died in detention on September 16 after being arrested for allegedly violating the country's strict dress code for women.

"Armed criminals killed a Basij member in Semirom," according to the report that cited the official news agency Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), the paramilitary outfit is tied to the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

General Morteza Amou Mahdi, an Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) senior officer in Esfahan Province, identified the victim as Mohsen Rezaei, a member of the IRGC's Basij Force, Iran Front Page reported. 

Thugs and rioters have used the rallies over the death to commit acts of violence, including lethal attacks on police and civilians, destruction, and desecration of sanctuaries. Iranian officials claim to have evidence linking the rioters' masterminds to international opponents of the country, according to the Iran Front Page report. 

Protesters gathered late Saturday in the city, which is located about 470 kilometres (290 miles) south of Tehran in the central Isfahan province, as per the report. 

According to the report, they gathered in front of the regional government building and other areas in Semirom.

"Security forces were sent to restore order in the city, and skirmishes with some rioters occurred in some cases," as stated in the report.

As per Iranian officials, hundreds of people have been slain in the country's turmoil, including members of the security forces, and others have been arrested, the report said. 

The Iranian government accuses hostile foreign powers and opposition parties of fomenting unrest.

Iran hanged two men, both 23 years old, who had been convicted of attacks on security officers in connection with the protests.

Nine more people, according to the judiciary, have received death sentences. This week, dozens of demonstrators, according to activists, are also accused of crimes that could result in the death penalty, as per the report. 

(With Inputs From Agencies)