Iran vows tough stance on dissent in public trials

Protests have gripped Iran since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody on September 16. She was arrested in Tehran for allegedly wearing her hijab incorrectly. What began as outrage over her death soon evolved into a popular uprising against Iran's leaders.

Students and women have been particularly active in the protests, burning their veils and cutting their hair in a show of defiance against the repressive regime.

Dozens of people have been killed over the past several weeks amid a brutal crackdown by security forces. Hundreds more have been arrested.