A female university student in Iran has been arrested after stripping down to her underwear in a public protest against the country's strict dress code. This incident occurred at Tehran's Islamic Azad University, where the young woman aimed to highlight what she described as the "oppressive" enforcement of hijab regulations.
Key Details:
- Protest Action: The student removed her outer clothing, revealing only her underwear, in an act of defiance against the enforcement of Iran's mandatory hijab law. Footage shared on social media shows her sitting outside the university and later walking through the streets, drawing attention from passersby.
- Confrontation with Security Forces: Reports indicate that the student had previously faced harassment from members of the Basij, a paramilitary organization, who allegedly tore her headscarf and damaged her clothing. Following her protest, she was forcibly apprehended by security personnel and taken away in a vehicle.
- Response from Authorities: Iranian authorities, including a spokesperson for the university, suggested that the student was experiencing mental health challenges, asserting that she had been found to have a "mental disorder." This claim has been met with skepticism by activists and observers who view her actions as a legitimate protest rather than a sign of mental instability.
- International Reaction: Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have called for her immediate and unconditional release. They have urged Iranian authorities to protect her from torture and ensure she has access to family and legal representation. Allegations of mistreatment during her arrest are also under scrutiny.
- Context of Protests: This incident occurs against the backdrop of ongoing protests in Iran regarding women's rights and dress codes, particularly following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022 while in police custody for allegedly violating hijab laws. Amini's death sparked widespread protests that challenged the regime's policies on women's attire and broader issues of freedom and rights.
