Actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie is using her platform to shed light on the protests in Iran over the death of Mahsa Amini.
Amini, who was only 22 years old, passed away on Sept. 16 after being arrested in Tehran for “unsuitable attire” by Iran’s morality police, who enforce the country’s dress code. Her death sparked protests all over the world, with CBC News reporting that Iranian women took to the streets to chant, “Women, life, freedom,” and Al Jazeera reporting that many women were burning their hijabs and cutting off their hair.
Related: Angelina Jolie speaks out for the end of domestic violence.
Jolie drew attention to the ongoing unrest in Iran and shared images of the protests on her Instagram account with a lengthy caption: “Respect to the brave, defiant, fearless women of Iran,” she wrote.
“All those who have survived and resisted for decades, those taking to the streets today, and Masha Amini and all young Iranians like her. Women don’t need their morals policed, their minds re-educated, or their bodies controlled. They need freedom to live and breathe without violence or threats,” she continued.
“To the women of Iran, we see you,” she added.
Canada’s response to Mahsa Amini’s death
While there have been protests across Canada, Global News reported that Canada would be imposing sanctions on Iran’s morality police in response to Amini’s death. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the sanctions in an address.
“Unfortunately, Iran doesn’t respect human rights, and that’s nothing new,” he said. “We will stop at nothing to ensure this regime is held to account and we’ll support the families until justice is served.”
“To the women in Iran who are protesting and to those who are supporting you, we stand with you.”
