Young woman strips down in protest at Iranian University
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2024-11-03 07:13 GMT
A young woman stripped down to her underwear at Islamic Azad University in Iran on Saturday, reportedly as a form of protest against the country's strict Islamic dress code. The incident was captured in videos that emerged on social media and were initially shared by the Iranian student outlet Amir Kabir Newsletter. The footage shows security guards detaining the woman amidst a gathering crowd.
The video quickly spread across various Persian-language news platforms, including the Hengaw rights group, IranWire, and Amnesty International. Amidst the discussion, some social media users interpreted the woman’s actions as a deliberate protest against the government’s rigid enforcement of mandatory hijab laws. A user on X, identified as Lei La, remarked, “For most women, being in public in their underwear is one of their worst nightmares. This is a reaction to the authorities’ stubborn insistence on the mandatory hijab.”
University's Response and Concerns About Mental Health
In response to the incident, university spokesperson Amir Mahjob stated on X that, upon being taken to the police station, it was determined that the woman was experiencing severe mental pressure and was exhibiting signs of a mental disorder. The exact details of her condition remain unclear. However, a report from the mass-circulation daily Hamshahri suggested that an informed source indicated she has significant mental health issues and may be transferred to a mental hospital following further investigations.
Context of Protests and Government Response
This incident comes against the backdrop of ongoing protests in Iran, which intensified following the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022. Amini, an Iranian Kurdish woman, died in the custody of the morality police after being arrested for allegedly violating hijab regulations. Her death ignited widespread protests across the country, focusing attention on issues of women's rights and government enforcement of strict dress codes.
As the situation continues to unfold, the young woman's protest raises critical questions about the intersection of mental health, personal agency, and the societal pressures faced by women in Iran.