An Iranian female student at Tehran's Islamic Azad University staged a protest by stripping down to her underwear on campus. The protest was in response to an assault by the Basij, a paramilitary militia linked to the IRGC, for allegedly not wearing the mandatory hijab properly. The incident, captured on video, quickly spread on social media.
The student was later arrested by campus security and handed over to law enforcement authorities. While her identity remains unconfirmed, reports from France and Germany suggest she may be Ahoo Daryaei. The motives behind her actions are currently under investigation.
The U.N.'s special rapporteur for Iran expressed concern over the incident and pledged to monitor the authorities' response closely. Reports indicate that the student was severely assaulted by security forces, leading to visible injuries.
Observers noted that the protest reflects a growing trend of Iranian women challenging the mandatory hijab laws and resisting the regime's oppressive measures. The act of defiance has sparked discussions about the ongoing struggle for freedom and gender equality in Iran.
In response to the incident, various activists and experts have highlighted the significance of the student's protest in the context of broader resistance against the Iranian regime. Calls for international support and recognition of her bravery have emerged, emphasizing the need for solidarity with Iranian women fighting for their rights.
The protest comes amid debates over Iran's strict hijab laws and recent legislative developments. While President Masoud Pezeshkian has promised to end morality police patrols targeting women's dress code violations, critics remain skeptical of the government's commitment to reform.
Ultimately, the student's bold act of civil disobedience serves as a poignant symbol of defiance against gender oppression in Iran and underscores the ongoing struggle for individual freedoms and human rights in the country.
