Iranian special forces beat female prisoners who set their clothes on fire

Over the weekend, Iranian forces were deployed on a large scale to suppress mass demonstrations. Photo: Getty Images/Morteza Nikoubazi

Iranian forces are believed to have been beaten. female prisoners on Saturday after they burned their clothes to mark the anniversary of the young woman's death in police custody.

On Saturday, smoke was seen coming out of Tehran's notorious Qarchak prison as family members gathered at the gates, anxious for information.

IranWire, an activist publication, reported that detainees were not allowed to leave their cells and dozens were heard shots.

A group of women sentenced to death started a fire, burning their clothes and beds in protest against prison management, Iranian state news agency IRNA reported. Qarchak is known for its overcrowding and poor condition.

The Kurdistan Human Rights Network reported that riot police entered the prison cell, beat the detainees and fired pellets.

Some of those taking part in the protest were reportedly involved in anti-government demonstrations that broke out across throughout the country after the death of Mahsa Amini.

A 22-year-old was arrested for not wearing her hijab was fine, and then she died, sparking a wave of anger against the regime.

Mahsa Amini's death sparked protests across Iran last year. Photo: Getty Images

Saturday marked the one-year anniversary of her death, leading to clashes between security forces and protesters in many Iranian cities angry over the state's ongoing crackdown on women's rights.

In Tehran, protesters shouted : “Death to the dictator!” and “Woman, Life, Freedom!” Iranian state media reported that one member of the Basij paramilitary force was shot dead in the clashes and several people were arrested on suspicion of fomenting chaos.

Many of the arrests were made in Kurdish areas of Iran where the forces were active security. were deployed on the anniversary to quell any mass demonstrations.

Islamic Revolutionary Guards also announced they had arrested a dual national for «attempts to organize riots and vandalism» in Karaj, west of Tehran. The unidentified man had “several smartphones… and a significant amount of dollars,” Tasnim News reported.