More than 700 arrested in new protests in Iran over the death of Mahsa Amini

TEHRAN, Sep. 24 (DPA/EP) –

At least 739 people have been arrested in northern Iran during protests over the death of Mahsa Amini, arrested in Tehran for not wearing the veil properly, according to a police report.

“We have arrested and detained 739 rioters, including 60 women,” explained the Iranian police chief in Gilan province, Asisiolá Maleki, in statements collected by the official Iranian news agency, IRNA.

In addition to the arrests, weapons, ammunition and explosives have been seized, Maleki has indicated, who has blamed the detainees for the injuries suffered by more than a hundred police officers and for the damage to public facilities.

“It is not acceptable to threaten the security of Gilan province,” warned Maleki, who has promised a “heavy hand” from the security forces.

Amini, arrested on September 13 in Tehran by the so-called Moral Police for wearing the veil incorrectly, suffered a heart attack for which she was taken to a hospital, where she died days later, according to the official version, questioned by the family and other instances..

Amini’s death has sparked serious riots and mass protests in Iran that have so far left 17 dead. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has ordered an investigation into what happened.