Tehran, 7 January 2023 (dpa/MIA) – The Iranian leadership has dismissed the country’s police chief, Hossein Ashtari, who had come under criticism following the death in police custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in September, the ISNA news agency reported.

The decision was carried out on Saturday by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to ISNA. No reason was given.

Ashtari has always maintained that the police were not to blame for Amini’s death. Critics, however, believe that the young woman was beaten by police officers and died of a brain haemorrhage.

Khamenei has now appointed Ahmad-Resa Radan, the previous deputy chief, to head the Iranian police.

Radan is known for his radical attitudes. In particular, he has always advocated that women strictly adhere to the Islamic dress code. He also believes that young men should not follow Western hairstyle trends and should be arrested for violations.

Due to human rights violations, Radan has been on a US sanctions list for 12 years.