Death in custody sparks wider protests about treatment of women in Iran

Protests erupt across Iran after 22-year-old woman dies while being held for violating the country's strictly enforced Islamic dress code

A police motorcycle burning during a protest in Tehran over the death of Mahsa Aminia, a young woman who had been detained for violating Iran’s conservative dress code. Picture: AP

Protests have erupted across Iran in recent days after a 22-year-old woman died while being held by the morality police for violating the country’s strictly enforced Islamic dress code.

The death of Mahsa Amini, who had been picked up for her allegedly loose headscarf, or hijab, has triggered daring displays of defiance, in the face of beatings and possible arrest.