International Correspondent
Rights activists are calling for the immediate release of a woman detained in Iran after she staged a protest by removing her clothing at the Science and Research Branch of Islamic Azad University in Tehran. This act was a demonstration against the country’s compulsory hijab laws.
Incident Details
A video circulating on social media shows the woman in her underwear before being forcibly apprehended by plainclothes agents. Eyewitnesses reported that she entered a classroom, filming students and shouting, “I’ve come to save you” when asked to leave.
The university has claimed that she suffers from a “mental disorder” and has since been taken to a “psychiatric hospital,” a statement that many Iranians dispute, viewing her actions as part of the broader “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement.
Context of the Movement
This movement has gained significant momentum following the death of Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish woman who died in police custody two years ago after being detained for hijab violations. Her death sparked widespread protests, resulting in over 500 reported deaths during the demonstrations that followed.
International Response
Organizations like Amnesty International have demanded the woman’s immediate release and protection from torture. Additionally, the UN Special Rapporteur on Iran, Mai Sato, is closely monitoring the situation. Narges Mohammadi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate currently imprisoned in Iran, has also spoken out, emphasizing the need for women’s freedom and an end to harassment, stating,
“Women pay the price for defiance, but we do not bow down to force”.
This incident highlights the ongoing struggle for women’s rights in Iran and the significant risks faced by those who challenge oppressive laws.
Zim GBC News©2024