Iranian Women Burn Khamenei's Pictures, Light Cigarettes in Bold New Protest

• Iranian women are burning pictures of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and lighting cigarettes with the flame as a new form of protest.
• This symbolic act challenges Iran's political and religious authority, as insulting the Supreme Leader is a serious crime and public smoking by women is discouraged.
• The protests are linked to the anti-hijab movement sparked by Mahsa Amini's death in 2022 and are fueled by economic crisis and strict hijab enforcement.
• Mahsa Amini's death in September 2022 after being detained for violating hijab laws led to widespread protests across Iran.
• Current unrest, driven by high inflation and unemployment, has seen at least 34 protesters and four security forces dead, with 2,200 arrests.

Why It Matters: Iranian women adopt bold new symbolic protests against Khamenei, fueled by economic woes and Mahsa Amini's legacy.