Iran Protests Timeline: How Death of Mahsa Amini Caused Shockwaves

Mass protests have been taking place across Iran since Mahsa Amini died after being arrested by the country's "morality police" in September.

Amini, 22, from the northwestern city of Saqez, was apprehended by the country's notorious morality police—now reportedly abolished—after she allegedly broke a law that demands women cover their hair with a headscarf as well as their arms and legs.

After she died in police custody mass protests erupted on the streets in condemnation of the country's laws.

Outside Iran, activists and protestors marched in front of the Iranian embassy in London and hundreds took to the streets in Istanbul, Turkey, a country with a large number of Kurdish people.

Here is a timeline of how the protests have unfolded.

September 13: Amini's Arrest

Amini was arrested in Tehran after she allegedly broke the country's strict Islamic dress code laws, namely wearing her hijab too loosely.

The morality police that arrested Amini has been accused of serious human rights violations in Iran, including the violent suppression of peaceful protests.

Following Amini's arrest, she was reportedly beaten and was later moved to the Vozara Detention Center.

September 16: Amini's Death

Amini died in a hospital allegedly as a result of the injuries she sustained while in custody. Iranian officials said Amini died of a heart attack, although her family has strongly disputed this claim.

She reportedly fell into a coma while at the Vozara Detention Center.

After her death the United Nations condemned Iranian officials and said: "We strongly condemn the use of physical violence against women and the denial of fundamental human dignity when enforcing compulsory hijab policies organized by state authorities.

"We call on the Iranian authorities to hold an independent, impartial, and prompt investigation into Ms. Amini's death, make the findings of the investigation public, and hold all perpetrators accountable."

September 17: Funeral Protests

Furious protestors take to the street during Amini's funeral in her hometown in the province of Kurdistan. In a bid to halt the protest, Iranian security forces fired tear gas at the demonstrators.

According to the BBC, mourners chanted "death to the dictator" and some women were seen to have removed their headscarves in protest.

The network added a photo of Amini's gravestone that was later published online. The text on it read: "You didn't die. Your name will be a code [rallying call]."

September 22: Protests Spread Across Iran

Police stations and vehicles were torched by demonstrators who took to the streets as the protests against the government continued.

According to Reuters, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said the protests were "acts of chaos" and added: "There is freedom of expression in Iran…but acts of chaos are unacceptable."

September 30: Shootout At Police Station

Iranian state TV said there had been a shootout at a police station in the city of Zahedan. Officials said 19 people were killed.

Amnesty International later reported that security officials had killed 66 people, including children, on what was the deadliest day since the protests began.

Agnes Callamard, Amnesty International's Security General said: "The Iranian authorities have repeatedly shown utter disregard for the sanctity of human life and will stop at nothing to preserve power. The callous violence being unleashed by Iran's security forces is not occurring in a vacuum. It is the result of systematic impunity and a lackluster response by the international community."

October 3: Supreme Leader Addresses Protests

In his first comments about the protests, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei blamed Israel and the U.S. for the chaos in the country.

Khamenei said: "I say clearly that the riots and the insecurity were engineered by America and the occupying, false Zionist regime [Israel], as well as their paid agents with the help of some traitorous Iranians abroad."

The Supreme Leader then gave his support to the security forces and continued to denounce demonstrators.

November 21: Soccer Players Silent During Anthem

Members of the Iranian men's soccer team remained silent while the national anthem played ahead of their match with England.

The move was widely perceived as the players distancing themselves from their government. Iranian supporters were also heard booing the anthem.

Some fans were also seen holding a placard that read "woman, life and freedom," which has become a symbol for the protests.

However, the Iranian national team did sing the national anthem at the two following World Cup games.

December 4: Iran Reportedly Abolishes Morality Police

Iranian officials allegedly abolished the morality police that arrested Amini in September following months of unrest in the country.

According to the ISNA news agency, Attorney General Mohammad Jafar Montazeri said: "Morality police have nothing to do with the judiciary."

Iran's Ministry of Justice is yet to confirm that the force has been disbanded.

At least 470 people have been killed since the demonstrations began and more than 18,000 have been arrested, Human Rights Activists in Iran claimed.

Newsweek has contacted Iran's Ministry of Justice for comment.