Title: Teenage Girl in Coma after Confrontation with Iran’s Morality Police
Introduction:
A recent confrontation involving Iran’s morality police has left a teenage girl in a coma, leading to widespread criticism and renewed anger towards the country’s leadership. This incident has brought back memories of Mahsa Amini, who died while in custody for dress code violations, sparking months of protests in Iran. The incident has raised concerns about the draconian enforcement of wearing a headscarf, with activists calling for more transparency and the release of security videos.
Details of the Incident:
The incident occurred when Armita Geravand, a 16-year-old girl, was on her way to school with friends in Tehran. She was stopped by the morality police for not adhering to the strict Islamic dress code that requires women to cover their hair. According to Iranian officials, Geravand fainted due to low blood sugar, but activists claim she was assaulted by the police. However, no footage of the actual confrontation inside the subway car has been released.
Activists Demand Transparency:
Following reports of Geravand’s injuries, activists have called on the government to allow journalists to speak to her friends and family. Instead, state media released video interviews with her grieving parents. However, the statements from Geravand’s parents have only worsened suspicions among the public. Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi criticized the interviews as “ambiguous and non-transparent,” accusing Iranian leaders of trying to suppress the truth.
Foreign Criticism:
Foreign officials have expressed concern over the incident, drawing similarities to the case of Mahsa Amini. Germany’s foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, tweeted that it was “unbearable” for a young woman to be fighting for her life just because she showed her hair on the subway. She also criticized the parents being put in front of cameras instead of being with their daughter. The U.S. envoy to Iran’s office condemned the assault on Geravand and called the arrest of a journalist investigating the case unacceptable.
Iran’s Response:
In response to the criticism, Iran’s foreign minister’s spokesman, Nasser Canaan, suggested that American, British, and German officials focus on their own healthcare issues instead of intervening in Iran’s affairs. This response highlights the ongoing tension between Iran and these countries.
Conclusion:
This incident involving Armita Geravand has once again shed light on the strict enforcement of dress codes in Iran and the actions of the morality police. The lack of transparency and the release of only selective footage have fueled public distrust and suspicion. Activists continue to demand the release of additional security videos to uncover the truth. As foreign officials express their concern, it remains to be seen how Iran will address the criticism and resolve the growing unrest.