The family of Mahsa Amini, a young Iranian-Kurdish woman whose death while in police custody in 2022 sparked the Women, Life, Freedom protest movement, hopes to mark her second death anniversary -- if allowed by Iranian authorities.
In a message sent to RFE/RL's Radio Farda on September 12, Amjad Amini said they were going to mark the occasion at the cemetery where his daughter is buried in response to calls from people wanting to pay tribute.
"We, the family of Mahsa Jina Amini, like all the grieving families across Iran, wish to exercise our right to hold a traditional and religious ceremony in memory of our beloved, marking the anniversary of her passing," he said in an audio message.
Amini said last year they were unable to hold a public gathering because the authorities blocked access to the Aichi cemetery in Saqqez, Kurdistan Province, where his daughter is buried.
"If such restrictions are not imposed this year, the anniversary ceremony will take place on September 15, in response to the many requests we have received from the honorable and dear people," he added.
Last year, Amini was briefly detained on his daughter's death anniversary and the whole family were barred from leaving home.
The 22-year-old died on September 16, 2022. However, because the leap year is marked on different dates on the Iranian and Gregorian calendars, the anniversary this year falls on September 15.
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Mahsa Amini: The Funeral That Sparked Nationwide Anti-Government Protests In Iran
Amini was arrested in Tehran on September 13, 2022, while visiting the Iranian capital with her family. She was detained by Iran's "morality police" for allegedly improperly wearing her hijab, or head scarf. Within hours of her detention, she was hospitalized in a coma and died on September 16.
The protests that followed lasted for months, spreading from city to city and drawing men and women into the streets. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights estimates more than 500 protesters were killed as the authorities cracked down on the unrest.
At least 10 men have been executed in relation to the protests for alleged involvement in attacks on security forces during the demonstrations.
Ahead of the anniversary of Amini's death last year, the authorities stepped up pressure against family members of those killed, including through arrests, summons for questioning, and warnings against them holding memorial events in honor of Amini or their loved ones.