Iran Protests Intensify 40 Days After Death Of Mahsa Amini

Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Iran on Wednesday to mark the 40th day since Mahsa Amini died in the custody of the "morality police."

The 22-year-old Amini was reportedly detained for improperly wearing her hijab in Tehran while on a family trip and her death has sparked near-continuous protests in the country. The demonstrations Wednesday began in Saqez, the western Kurdish hometown of Amini and spread to other cities throughout the night.

Iranian state news agency ISNA said that security forces did not prevent mourners from marching to her grave but reported clashing with demonstrators.

It is customary in Islam and other Eastern Orthodox religions to mourn the loss of a loved one for 40 days after the death.

The Iranian government said Amini died of an underlying health condition, but her family and witnesses say she was beaten by police. Regardless, her death has led to numerous protests and violent clashes with security forces.

The Oslo-based non-profit organization Iran Human Rights reported at least 234 people have died in the protests, including 29 children. Those funerals have fueled further protests.

The Kurdish Hengaw Organization for Human Rights reported that Iranian security forces killed two men on Wednesday, including 35-year-old Ismaeli Maludi. Demonstrators attending the Kurdish man's funeral became hostile toward security forces, chanting "death to the dictator."

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi blamed the "riots" for the deadly terrorist attack Wednesday at the Shah Cheragh Shrine in the southern city of Shiraz. ISIS claimed responsibility for gunmen killing 15 people, including two children, and wounding 40 others at the Shiite shrine.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also referred to the protests as riots and said they were being incited by western countries to destabilize Iran.