Mahsa Amini was a young woman from Saqqez, Iran, who became the center of international attention following her death while in custody of the Iranian morality police. Amini was arrested on September 13, 2022, for allegedly violating Iran's strict dress code, specifically relating to the hijab mandate that requires women to cover their hair in public. After reportedly being severely beaten during her detention, she fell into a coma and died shortly thereafter. Her family disputed the police's claims, alleging abuse and mistreatment.

In the aftermath of her death, protests erupted across Iran, rapidly gaining momentum and spreading globally. The protests were not merely about Amini’s death, but also addressed broader issues like women's rights, government repression, and socio-economic injustices in Iran. Demonstrators chanted slogans against the regime, drawing attention to the systematic oppression faced by women in the country. Social media played a crucial role in mobilizing and disseminating information, allowing images and videos of the protests to circulate worldwide.

Governments and human rights organizations condemned Iran’s treatment of women and its oppressive policies, echoing the calls for justice for Mahsa Amini. The protests inspired many solidarity movements internationally, with demonstrations occurring in cities across Europe and North America, uniting people in support of women's rights and against authoritarianism. The situation in Iran raised alarms over state violence and repression, leading to heightened scrutiny of Iran's internal policies and its position on human rights.