On the third anniversary of the killing of Jina Mahsa Amini, businesspeople in her hometown of Saqqez called a general strike. Shops across the city remained closed in protest against the actions of the Iranian state and in memory of the 22-year-old woman, whose death in police custody in 2022 sparked worldwide outrage.
Amini was arrested by the “morality police” in Tehran on September 13, 2022, for allegedly violating Islamic dress codes. Three days later, she died as a result of violence suffered while in custody.
According to local sources, most retail businesses in Saqqez have remained closed today. With the strike, business owners signaled their solidarity with the “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî” [Woman, Life, Freedom] movement, which was sparked by Amini’s death, and their demands for freedom and democracy.
The Iranian security apparatus responded with repression and intimidation. Security forces reportedly contacted shop owners by phone and put them under enormous pressure to open their businesses. The military and other units also have a heightened presence throughout the city.
“The streets of Saqqez resemble a besieged area,” say local activists. Militarization is not limited to Saqqez. There has also been an increased troop presence in other cities in Eastern Kurdistan.
KURDISTAN- Today, on the third anniversary of #JînaAmini‘s state killing, the people of her hometown, Saqqez, have gone on a general strike. In response, Iran’s security forces have deployed heavily across Kurdistan, turning the cities, especially #Saqqez, into militarized zones. pic.twitter.com/1BapY3ntOh
— Kaveh Ghoreishi (@KavehGhoreishi) September 16, 2025