UPDATE - At least 41 dead in Iranian protests over death of woman in police custody

UPDATES DEATH TOLL, OTHER REVISIONS

By Ahmet Dursun

ANKARA (AA) – The death toll from protests in Iran over a young woman who died in police custody has risen to 41, according to state media.

Iranian state TV said that 41 protesters and policemen have been killed since protests erupted last Saturday following the funeral of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old who died after being detained by the morality police in the capital Tehran on Sept. 13 for allegedly wearing her hijab head covering improperly.

Authorities have sought to pin blame on her death on a heart attack, but her family and many others in Iran have rejected the claim, saying she was the victim of police brutality. Authorities have promised a thorough investigation of Amini's death.

Her death has triggered a wave of angry protests in Iran over the past week, with protesters calling for justice and accountability.

The incident has drawn condemnation from many world leaders and human rights groups, including the US, which has sanctioned Iran's morality police in response to the "abuse and violence against Iranian women and the violation of the rights of peaceful Iranian protestors."