Iran: Woman Who Striped at the University Goes Missing
A young Iranian woman protested Iran’s strict dress code by stripping at a university, sparking controversy and raising concerns about her whereabouts and treatment following her arrest.
In a bold protest, a young Iranian woman stripped down to her underwear at Tehran’s Islamic Azad University on 2nd November 2024. Her action was seen as a protest against Iran’s strict dress code, which requires women to wear hijabs and loose clothing in public. Videos of her protest quickly spread on social media, sparking mixed reactions.
Some reports suggest the woman’s protest followed alleged harassment by members of the Basij, a volunteer security force, who reportedly tore off her headscarf and clothes, accusing her of not following the dress code properly. Eyewitnesses said she was violently arrested, hitting her head on the door frame of the car while being taken away, causing her head to bleed.
However, Iranian news agency Fars reported a different version of events, stating that security personnel had calmly spoken to her about following the dress code. The university spokesperson, Amir Mahjob, claimed there was no confrontation with security guards and that the woman had started filming other students without permission, leading to security being alerted. The spokesperson also mentioned that the woman, reportedly a mother of two, was under mental strain, hinting at a possible mental disorder. The authorities later claimed that she was moved to a police station, but her current condition and location remain unclear, with some reports suggesting she may have been sent to a mental hospital.
Amnesty International, a global human rights group, has called for her immediate release and demanded an impartial investigation into her treatment. They also urged Iranian authorities to ensure she is protected from any harm or abuse.
This latest incident adds to the rising tensions and protests in Iran, where many women and activists are challenging the strict dress rules and standing up for their rights.