Refuge statement on the death of Mahsa Amini

Refuge is saddened and outraged by the death of Mahsa Amini, following her arrest for allegedly not being sufficiently covered by her hijab. The reports of her alleged beating and torture at the hands of the ‘morality police’ are of deep concern, and Refuge sends our sincere condolences to Mahsa’s family at this difficult time.

Refuge, which campaigns to eradicate violence against women and girls, stands in solidarity with human rights groups in Iran, and alongside the women of Iran as well as all those who are protesting Mahsa’s death, and protesting against compulsory veiling laws. The rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association are fundamental, inalienable human rights and the patterns of reaction from the Iranian authorities should be cause for concern to all.