City Council Adopts Resolution Condemning The Killing of Jina Mahsa Amini

For Immediate Release: October 21, 2022

PDF Version

LOS ANGELES — Today, the City of Los Angeles adopted a resolution, introduced by Councilmember Nithya Raman, condemning the Islamic Republic of Iran for the killing of Jina Mahsa Amini and the violence unleashed on peaceful Iranian protesters demanding justice and accountability for Amini’s death. The resolution further affirms that the City of Los Angeles stands in solidarity with the women leading this human rights movement in Iran and commends them for their bravery and courage in demanding their rights and freedom.

“Across the world, violence is routinely enacted upon women, upon our bodies, for the purpose of maintaining political power,” said Councilmember Raman. “We cannot and will not stand for this brutality. Iranian women have been at the forefront of social justice movements for decades and continue to risk their lives today fighting for their freedom.”

Since the killing of 22-year-old Jina Mahsa Amini on September 16th, thousands have gathered in protest throughout Iran calling for an end to the repression of Iranian women, the abolition of compulsory dress codes, and justice for Amini and her family. In response, the Islamic Republic of Iran has imposed strict internet censorship and is using live ammunition and plastic bullets in a brutal crackdown on the protests. Recent reports indicate that nearly 250 protesters have been killed and over 12,000 people have been arrested across the country. 

“PARS Equality Center stands in solidarity with Iranians who are protesting the unjust killing of Mahsa Amini and who are demanding democracy as well as rights to bodily autonomy and fundamental freedoms all over Iran,” said Peyman Malaz, Pars Equality Center’s Director in Los Angeles. “We also express our profound sympathy to the families of the incredible Iranian protesters who have lost their lives to the ongoing brutal police crackdown in response to peaceful demonstrations.”

“The morality police is a violation of Quranic verse 2:256, which stipulates: ‘Let there be no compulsion in matters of faith,’ said Salam Al-Marayati, President of the Muslim Public Affairs Council. “We stand in solidarity with the Iranian people who have been struggling against tyranny and the weaponization of the Qur’an in order to control women. The idea of a morality police does not serve either the Iranian people or the religion of Islam and is an affront to both.”

“Los Angeles is home to the largest Iranian community outside of Iran and we will not remain silent,” said Councilmember Raman. “We stand with our Iranian friends, family, and neighbors in uplifting the voices of the women demanding their right to live as free citizens.” 

####