Student Arrested for Protest Against Hijab Regulations at Iranian University
On Saturday, November 2, a significant incident unfolded at the Islamic Azad University campus in Tehran when a student was arrested for protesting against strict hijab regulations by wearing only her underwear and a bra. According to reports from the Amirkabir newsletter, a publication associated with a student movement, the protester claimed to have faced harassment from security agents prior to her drastic act of defiance. These agents allegedly pulled at her clothing, criticizing her for not wearing the hijab, the traditional Islamic veil, properly.
In a bold statement against the obligations imposed on women regarding their dress, the student undressed almost completely while sitting on the bottom of a staircase and then walked among her peers with her hair uncovered. This courageous act quickly garnered attention, as videos of her protest circulated widely on social media platforms, capturing the moment and the response of fellow students.
A separate video, filmed at a distance, shows individuals approaching the student in a vehicle before forcibly pushing her into it. As of now, her identity has not been disclosed.
The backdrop of this incident is critical. Between 2022 and 2023, Iran witnessed a wave of protests ignited by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who also lost her life after being detained for not properly adhering to hijab laws. This tragic event sparked international outrage and calls for reform in the treatment of women in Iran.
In covering this incident, the Iranian news agency Fars reported that the student had breached the dress code and that her undressing occurred after warnings from security personnel. The communications officer for the university, Syed Amir Mahjoub, refuted claims of violence against her and suggested in initial findings that she may be experiencing psychological issues.
In response to these developments, Amnesty International has called on Iranian authorities to safeguard the rights of the student, urging them to protect her from potential torture and mistreatment. The organization has emphasized the importance of ensuring her access to family and adequate legal representation.
This incident highlights the ongoing struggles faced by women in Iran as they navigate the intricate balance between personal freedoms and state-imposed regulations, reflecting a broader desire for change and recognition of women's rights in the country.
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