Joe Biden Expresses Solidarity With Iran Women Protesting Hijab Mandate

US President Joe Biden has expressed solidarity with Irani women protesting the country's hijab mandate after a 23-year-old woman died last week after being arrested by police for wearing hijab "improperly".

"Today we stand with the brave citizens and the brave women of Iran who right now are demonstrating to secure their basic rights," Biden told the UN General Assembly. Eight people have reportedly been killed as protests continued on fifth day on Wednesday.

Eight people have reportedly died in protests against 23-year-old Mahasa Amini's death in police custody in Tehran last week.

In a display of anger, Irani women burnt their hijabs at Amini's funeral last week. Women took social media by storm after they shared videos of cutting their hair and burning the hijabs.

A video on social media has shown some women protesters taking off their hijabs and burning them in bonfires and symbolically chopping their hair before crowds as a mark of protest.