Demonstrators gathering around a burning barricade during a protest in Tehran. Nationwide unrest was sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody last month. AFP
Demonstrators gathering around a burning barricade during a protest in Tehran. Nationwide unrest was sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody last month. AFP
Demonstrators gathering around a burning barricade during a protest in Tehran. Nationwide unrest was sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody last month. AFP
Demonstrators gathering around a burning barricade during a protest in Tehran. Nationwide unrest was sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody last month. AFP

MENA

Iran

Italian woman among foreigners held in Iran, say family

Almost 100 people are believed to have died in crackdowns after three weeks of women-led protests

The National

October 03, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

A young Italian woman travelling in Iran has been arrested and jailed, her family said on Monday. Her detention took place days after the Iranian authorities said nine foreigners had been held over nationwide protests.

The parents of Alessia Piperno, 30, from Rome, said they lost contact after speaking to her on Wednesday — her birthday — but then received a phone call on Sunday morning to say she was in jail.

"They arrested me. I am in a prison in Tehran. Please help me," she told them, according to Il Messaggero, an Italian newspaper.

"I'm fine but there are people here who say they have been inside for months and for no reason," she added. "I fear I won't be let out again. Help me."

At least 92 people have been killed in crackdowns on women-led protests sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini after her arrest by the notorious morality police, Iran Human Rights said on Sunday.

Iran has accused outside forces of stoking the nationwide protests, especially the US and Washington's allies. On Friday Iran's Ministry of Intelligence said nine foreigners ― including citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Poland ― had been arrested.

Demonstrators chant slogans during the March of Solidarity for Iran in Washington. AFP
Demonstrators chant slogans during the March of Solidarity for Iran in Washington. AFP
Another group of demonstrators at the march. AFP
Another group of demonstrators at the march. AFP
A protest in support of Iranian women in Barcelona. Reuters
A protest in support of Iranian women in Barcelona. Reuters
Iranian citizens and locals joined in the Barcelona protest. Reuters
Iranian citizens and locals joined in the Barcelona protest. Reuters
People attend a demonstration in solidarity with Mahsa Amini and other Iranian women in Castello Square, Turin. EPA
People attend a demonstration in solidarity with Mahsa Amini and other Iranian women in Castello Square, Turin. EPA
A person places a candle during the demonstration in Turin. EPA
A person places a candle during the demonstration in Turin. EPA
A protester holds a pre-Islamic Revolution Iranian flag during a demonstration in Brussels in support of the Iranians fighting for their freedom. AFP
A protester holds a pre-Islamic Revolution Iranian flag during a demonstration in Brussels in support of the Iranians fighting for their freedom. AFP
A protester wearing a top with a logo that reads 'No to an Islamic state" as she takes part in a rally in support of the Iranian people, in Brussels. AFP
A protester wearing a top with a logo that reads 'No to an Islamic state" as she takes part in a rally in support of the Iranian people, in Brussels. AFP
People wave the Shah-era Iranian flag during a protest in Paris. AFP
People wave the Shah-era Iranian flag during a protest in Paris. AFP
A woman shows her true colours in the protest against the Iranian government, in Paris. AFP
A woman shows her true colours in the protest against the Iranian government, in Paris. AFP
A woman holds a flag, as people protest against the Iranian regime outside Iran's embassy in central London. Reuters
A woman holds a flag, as people protest against the Iranian regime outside Iran's embassy in central London. Reuters
Supporters of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) carry placards and wave party flags in Beirut, during a protest against the death of Ms Amini. EPA
Supporters of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) carry placards and wave party flags in Beirut, during a protest against the death of Ms Amini. EPA
People demonstrate against the Iranian government outside the Houses of Parliament in London following the death of Amini. Reuters
People demonstrate against the Iranian government outside the Houses of Parliament in London following the death of Amini. Reuters
A mural in Paris depicts women cutting their hair to show support for Iranian protesters. AP
A mural in Paris depicts women cutting their hair to show support for Iranian protesters. AP
People take part in a rally against the Iranian government in Vancouver, Canada, on Saturday. AP
People take part in a rally against the Iranian government in Vancouver, Canada, on Saturday. AP
Protesters take to the streets of Tehran. EPA
Protesters take to the streets of Tehran. EPA
Iranian protesters run after clashing with with police. EPA
Iranian protesters run after clashing with with police. EPA
A protester shaves their head outside the Houses of Parliament in London. Reuters
A protester shaves their head outside the Houses of Parliament in London. Reuters
Iranians living in Athens hold a protest in solidarity. AFP
Iranians living in Athens hold a protest in solidarity. AFP
People take part in a rally in The Hague. AFP
People take part in a rally in The Hague. AFP
A woman cuts her hair during a demonstration in Santiago, Chile, by feminist groups and Iranian migrants in support of Iranian women following the death of Amini. AFP
A woman cuts her hair during a demonstration in Santiago, Chile, by feminist groups and Iranian migrants in support of Iranian women following the death of Amini. AFP
Members of feminist groups and Iranian migrants during the protests in Santiago. AFP
Members of feminist groups and Iranian migrants during the protests in Santiago. AFP
Iranian activists shout slogans during a protest against the government in Tehran, in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. EPA
Iranian activists shout slogans during a protest against the government in Tehran, in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. EPA
A protester holds a painted portrait of Mahsa Amini in Berlin, Germany. EPA
A protester holds a painted portrait of Mahsa Amini in Berlin, Germany. EPA
A protester shows red paint on her face, resembling blood splatters and bloody handprints next to the national Iranian emblem, during a rally in Berlin. EPA
A protester shows red paint on her face, resembling blood splatters and bloody handprints next to the national Iranian emblem, during a rally in Berlin. EPA
Iranian protesters shout slogan during a protest in Istanbul, Turkey. EPA
Iranian protesters shout slogan during a protest in Istanbul, Turkey. EPA
A woman holds a sign during a protest against the Iranian government, in front of the country's embassy in Madrid, Spain. The protests were triggered by the death of a young Iranian woman, Mahsa Amini, in police custody. Reuters
A woman holds a sign during a protest against the Iranian government, in front of the country's embassy in Madrid, Spain. The protests were triggered by the death of a young Iranian woman, Mahsa Amini, in police custody. Reuters
A woman cuts her hair during the protest in front of the Iranian embassy in Madrid. Reuters
A woman cuts her hair during the protest in front of the Iranian embassy in Madrid. Reuters
Israelis show their support for women in Iran as they hold up placards of Amini during a protest in Jerusalem. EPA
Israelis show their support for women in Iran as they hold up placards of Amini during a protest in Jerusalem. EPA
Amini, 22, was arrested in Tehran on September 13, 2022, by the morality police. She fell into a coma while in police custody and was declared dead on September 16. EPA
Amini, 22, was arrested in Tehran on September 13, 2022, by the morality police. She fell into a coma while in police custody and was declared dead on September 16. EPA
People walk by graffiti in support of the protests triggered by Amini's death, in Jerusalem. EPA
People walk by graffiti in support of the protests triggered by Amini's death, in Jerusalem. EPA
A protest in Nantes, western France, after the death of Amini in Iranian police custody. AFP
A protest in Nantes, western France, after the death of Amini in Iranian police custody. AFP
Women gather for a demonstration in Barcelona, Spain. AFP
Women gather for a demonstration in Barcelona, Spain. AFP
Demonstrators in Nantes. Amini's death has sparked a global protest movement. AFP
Demonstrators in Nantes. Amini's death has sparked a global protest movement. AFP
Women protest outside the town hall in in Montpellier, southern France. AFP
Women protest outside the town hall in in Montpellier, southern France. AFP
A woman at a protest in Catalunya Square, Barcelona. Reuters
A woman at a protest in Catalunya Square, Barcelona. Reuters
Campaigners and football fans protest at a Champions League match between Porto and Bayer Leverkusen at the Dragao stadium in Portugal. EPA
Campaigners and football fans protest at a Champions League match between Porto and Bayer Leverkusen at the Dragao stadium in Portugal. EPA
People hold placards during a demonstration in solidarity with the Iranian people near the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. EPA
People hold placards during a demonstration in solidarity with the Iranian people near the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. EPA
An Iranian woman living in Turkey with 'Freedom' written on her forehead takes part in a protest near the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. Reuters
An Iranian woman living in Turkey with 'Freedom' written on her forehead takes part in a protest near the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. Reuters
In Barcelona, protesters take part in a demonstration in support of Iranian women. AFP
In Barcelona, protesters take part in a demonstration in support of Iranian women. AFP
A Lebanese activist takes part in a protest in Beirut, triggered by the death of Amini, 22. AP
A Lebanese activist takes part in a protest in Beirut, triggered by the death of Amini, 22. AP
A Turkish protester takes off her head scarf while giving a performance in Instanbul during a protest against Iran over Amini's death. Getty
A Turkish protester takes off her head scarf while giving a performance in Instanbul during a protest against Iran over Amini's death. Getty
A woman in Istanbul cuts her hair during a protest against Iran. Getty
A woman in Istanbul cuts her hair during a protest against Iran. Getty
A Lebanese activist holds a poster depicting Amini during a protest in Beirut organised by feminist groups in support of women protesters in Iran. EPA
A Lebanese activist holds a poster depicting Amini during a protest in Beirut organised by feminist groups in support of women protesters in Iran. EPA
Demonstrators in Los Angeles, California, hold the Iranian flag during a protest against the government in Tehran. AFP
Demonstrators in Los Angeles, California, hold the Iranian flag during a protest against the government in Tehran. AFP
Demonstrators hold placards in Mexico City during a protest against Iran. Reuters
Demonstrators hold placards in Mexico City during a protest against Iran. Reuters
People demonstrate in Montreal, Canada, during a protest triggered by Amini's death. AFP
People demonstrate in Montreal, Canada, during a protest triggered by Amini's death. AFP
Iranian Americans participate in a rally in central Los Angeles, in solidarity with women in Iran. AP
Iranian Americans participate in a rally in central Los Angeles, in solidarity with women in Iran. AP
Demonstrators march during a protest in Los Angeles, California. AFP
Demonstrators march during a protest in Los Angeles, California. AFP
A woman with the colours of the Iranian flag painted on her face participates in a rally as thousands demonstrate in support of Iranian women in Los Angeles. EPA
A woman with the colours of the Iranian flag painted on her face participates in a rally as thousands demonstrate in support of Iranian women in Los Angeles. EPA
Australians protest over Amini's death in Melbourne. EPA
Australians protest over Amini's death in Melbourne. EPA
Police block protesters from entering Iran's embassy in Oslo, Norway. EPA
Police block protesters from entering Iran's embassy in Oslo, Norway. EPA
Demonstrators in front of the European headquarters of the UN in Geneva, Switzerland, during a rally against Iran. EPA
Demonstrators in front of the European headquarters of the UN in Geneva, Switzerland, during a rally against Iran. EPA
A candlelight vigil for Amini in Los Angeles. AFP
A candlelight vigil for Amini in Los Angeles. AFP
Afghan women hold placards as they take part in a protest in front of the Iranian embassy in Kabul. AFP
Afghan women hold placards as they take part in a protest in front of the Iranian embassy in Kabul. AFP
Protestors take part in a rally outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. AFP
Protestors take part in a rally outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. AFP
An Iranian woman shows a lock of hair she cut off during a protest outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. EPA
An Iranian woman shows a lock of hair she cut off during a protest outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. EPA
Demonstrators outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. Getty
Demonstrators outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. Getty
Iranian Americans rally on Capitol Hill in Washington to show support for protesters in Iran. AFP
Iranian Americans rally on Capitol Hill in Washington to show support for protesters in Iran. AFP
Protesters on Capitol Hill hold a sign condemning the crackdown by Tehran. AFP
Protesters on Capitol Hill hold a sign condemning the crackdown by Tehran. AFP
German demonstrators gather in Berlin after the death of Amini in Iranian police custody. AP
German demonstrators gather in Berlin after the death of Amini in Iranian police custody. AP
A protester cries during a rally in Berlin. Reuters
A protester cries during a rally in Berlin. Reuters
A demonstration in Madrid, Spain. Thousands have gathered in cities across Europe to support protests in Iran. AP
A demonstration in Madrid, Spain. Thousands have gathered in cities across Europe to support protests in Iran. AP
Demonstrators gather outside the Iranian embassy in Madrid. Reuters
Demonstrators gather outside the Iranian embassy in Madrid. Reuters
People take part in a protest in Lausanne, Switzerland. EPA
People take part in a protest in Lausanne, Switzerland. EPA
Protesters hold signs featuring images of Amini during the protest in the western Swiss city. EPA
Protesters hold signs featuring images of Amini during the protest in the western Swiss city. EPA
Demonstrators in front of the Iranian embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. EPA
Demonstrators in front of the Iranian embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. EPA
An activist outside the Iranian embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a sign that reads 'Justice for Mahsa Amini'. AFP
An activist outside the Iranian embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a sign that reads 'Justice for Mahsa Amini'. AFP
A demonstration against violence in Iran is held in Quito, Ecuador. The Iranian community in Ecuador protested outside the Iranian embassy. EPA
A demonstration against violence in Iran is held in Quito, Ecuador. The Iranian community in Ecuador protested outside the Iranian embassy. EPA
Protesters at a demonstration outside the Iranian embassy in Quito, Ecuador. EPA
Protesters at a demonstration outside the Iranian embassy in Quito, Ecuador. EPA

Italy's Foreign Ministry has so far made no comment about the identity of the Italian woman being held and did not respond to further requests on Monday about Ms Piperno's status.

Amnesty Italy tweeted that it hoped the ministry would do everything it can to secure her release.

Her father, Alberto, said that when he spoke to Ms Piperno on Wednesday, she had been planning a birthday picnic with friends from France, Poland and Iran.

Ms Piperno has been travelling the world for the past six years, according to her Instagram account, and had been in Iran for two months, according to Il Messaggero.

Prop idols

Girls full-contact rugby may be in its infancy in the Middle East, but there are already a number of role models for players to look up to.

Sophie Shams (Dubai Exiles mini, England sevens international)

An Emirati student who is blazing a trail in rugby. She first learnt the game at Dubai Exiles and captained her JESS Primary school team. After going to study geophysics at university in the UK, she scored a sensational try in a cup final at Twickenham. She has played for England sevens, and is now contracted to top Premiership club Saracens.

----

Seren Gough-Walters (Sharjah Wanderers mini, Wales rugby league international)

Few players anywhere will have taken a more circuitous route to playing rugby on Sky Sports. Gough-Walters was born in Al Wasl Hospital in Dubai, raised in Sharjah, did not take up rugby seriously till she was 15, has a master’s in global governance and ethics, and once worked as an immigration officer at the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi. In the summer of 2021 she played for Wales against England in rugby league, in a match that was broadcast live on TV.

----

Erin King (Dubai Hurricanes mini, Ireland sevens international)

Aged five, Australia-born King went to Dubai Hurricanes training at The Sevens with her brothers. She immediately struck up a deep affection for rugby. She returned to the city at the end of last year to play at the Dubai Rugby Sevens in the colours of Ireland in the Women’s World Series tournament on Pitch 1.

The biog

Occupation: Key marker and auto electrician

Hometown: Ghazala, Syria

Date of arrival in Abu Dhabi: May 15, 1978

Family: 11 siblings, a wife, three sons and one daughter

Favourite place in UAE: Abu Dhabi

Favourite hobby: I like to do a mix of things, like listening to poetry for example.

Favourite Syrian artist: Sabah Fakhri, a tenor from Aleppo

Favourite food: fresh fish

Simran

Director Hansal Mehta

Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Soham Shah, Esha Tiwari Pandey

Three stars

Profile of MoneyFellows

Founder: Ahmed Wadi

Launched: 2016

Employees: 76

Financing stage: Series A ($4 million)

Investors: Partech, Sawari Ventures, 500 Startups, Dubai Angel Investors, Phoenician Fund

Teri%20Baaton%20Mein%20Aisa%20Uljha%20Jiya
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirectors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amit%20Joshi%20and%20Aradhana%20Sah%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECast%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Shahid%20Kapoor%2C%20Kriti%20Sanon%2C%20Dharmendra%2C%20Dimple%20Kapadia%2C%20Rakesh%20Bedi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
CONFIRMED%20LINE-UP
%3Cp%3EElena%20Rybakina%20(Kazakhstan)%3Cbr%3EOns%20Jabeur%20(Tunisia)%3Cbr%3EMaria%20Sakkari%20(Greece)%3Cbr%3EBarbora%20Krej%C4%8D%C3%ADkov%C3%A1%20(Czech%20Republic)%3Cbr%3EBeatriz%20Haddad%20Maia%20(Brazil)%3Cbr%3EJe%C4%BCena%20Ostapenko%20(Latvia)%3Cbr%3ELiudmila%20Samsonova%3Cbr%3EDaria%20Kasatkina%3Cbr%3EVeronika%20Kudermetova%3Cbr%3ECaroline%20Garcia%20(France)%3Cbr%3EMagda%20Linette%20(Poland)%3Cbr%3ESorana%20C%C3%AErstea%20(Romania)%3Cbr%3EAnastasia%20Potapova%3Cbr%3EAnhelina%20Kalinina%20(Ukraine)%3Cbr%3EJasmine%20Paolini%20(Italy)%3Cbr%3EEmma%20Navarro%20(USA)%3Cbr%3ELesia%20Tsurenko%20(Ukraine)%3Cbr%3EEmma%20Raducanu%20(Great%20Britain)%20%E2%80%93%20wildcard%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Babumoshai Bandookbaaz

Director: Kushan Nandy

Starring: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Bidita Bag, Jatin Goswami

Three stars

Spider-Man%202
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Insomniac%20Games%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%20Sony%20Interactive%20Entertainment%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsole%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPlayStation%205%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl turbo

Power: 374hp at 5,500-6,500rpm

Torque: 500Nm from 1,900-5,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 8.5L/100km

Price: from Dh285,000

On sale: from January 2022 

The specs: 2018 Maxus T60

Price, base / as tested: Dh48,000

Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder

Power: 136hp @ 1,600rpm

Torque: 360Nm @ 1,600 rpm

Transmission: Five-speed manual

Fuel consumption, combined: 9.1L / 100km

How tumultuous protests grew
  • A fuel tax protest by French drivers appealed to wider anti-government sentiment
  • Unlike previous French demonstrations there was no trade union or organised movement involved 
  • Demonstrators responded to online petitions and flooded squares to block traffic
  • At its height there were almost 300,000 on the streets in support
  • Named after the high visibility jackets that drivers must keep in cars 
  • Clashes soon turned violent as thousands fought with police at cordons
  • An estimated two dozen people lost eyes and many others were admitted to hospital 
While you're here
The winners

Fiction

  • ‘Amreekiya’  by Lena Mahmoud
  •  ‘As Good As True’ by Cheryl Reid

The Evelyn Shakir Non-Fiction Award

  • ‘Syrian and Lebanese Patricios in Sao Paulo’ by Oswaldo Truzzi;  translated by Ramon J Stern
  • ‘The Sound of Listening’ by Philip Metres

The George Ellenbogen Poetry Award

  • ‘Footnotes in the Order  of Disappearance’ by Fady Joudah

Children/Young Adult

  •  ‘I’ve Loved You Since Forever’ by Hoda Kotb 
WHY%20AAYAN%20IS%20'PERFECT%20EXAMPLE'
%3Cp%3EDavid%20White%20might%20be%20new%20to%20the%20country%2C%20but%20he%20has%20clearly%20already%20built%20up%20an%20affinity%20with%20the%20place.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EAfter%20the%20UAE%20shocked%20Pakistan%20in%20the%20semi-final%20of%20the%20Under%2019%20Asia%20Cup%20last%20month%2C%20White%20was%20hugged%20on%20the%20field%20by%20Aayan%20Khan%2C%20the%20team%E2%80%99s%20captain.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EWhite%20suggests%20that%20was%20more%20a%20sign%20of%20Aayan%E2%80%99s%20amiability%20than%20anything%20else.%20But%20he%20believes%20the%20young%20all-rounder%2C%20who%20was%20part%20of%20the%20winning%20Gulf%20Giants%20team%20last%20year%2C%20is%20just%20the%20sort%20of%20player%20the%20country%20should%20be%20seeking%20to%20produce%20via%20the%20ILT20.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CHe%20is%20a%20delightful%20young%20man%2C%E2%80%9D%20White%20said.%20%E2%80%9CHe%20played%20in%20the%20competition%20last%20year%20at%2017%2C%20and%20look%20at%20his%20development%20from%20there%20till%20now%2C%20and%20where%20he%20is%20representing%20the%20UAE.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CHe%20was%20influential%20in%20the%20U19%20team%20which%20beat%20Pakistan.%20He%20is%20the%20perfect%20example%20of%20what%20we%20are%20all%20trying%20to%20achieve%20here.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CIt%20is%20about%20the%20development%20of%20players%20who%20are%20going%20to%20represent%20the%20UAE%20and%20go%20on%20to%20help%20make%20UAE%20a%20force%20in%20world%20cricket.%E2%80%9D%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
'Lost in Space'

Creators: Matt Sazama, Burk Sharpless, Irwin Allen

Stars: Molly Parker, Toby Stephens, Maxwell Jenkins

Rating: 4/5

On Women's Day
While you're here
The specs

Price, base / as tested Dh1,100,000 (est)

Engine 5.2-litre V10

Gearbox seven-speed dual clutch

Power 630bhp @ 8,000rpm

Torque 600Nm @ 6,500rpm

Fuel economy, combined 15.7L / 100km (est) 

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While you're here
While you're here
Updated: June 13, 2023, 8:54 AM
IranPrisons