Female Student Protests Dress Code in Iran by Stripping Down
Updated 10:31 AM EST, Sun November 3, 2024
A female student stripped to her underwear outside her university in Iran in what some student and rights groups say was a protest against the country’s strict Islamic dress code.
A video circulating on social media and shared by rights group Amnesty International shows the woman sitting outside the university in her underwear with her hair uncovered.
Another video shows her walking down a road in a state of undress before a group of men surrounds her, bundles her into a car, and drives away.
Amnesty said Saturday the woman had been “violently arrested” after she protested the “abusive enforcement” of the dress code at Tehran’s Islamic Azad University.
Citing eyewitnesses, state-run Fars news agency reported that the student took off her clothes after two security personnel “calmly talked” to her and warned her about flouting the dress code.
Mai Sato, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Islamic Republic of Iran, said on X that she would be “monitoring this incident closely, including the authorities’ response.”
The wearing of a hijab (or headscarf) in public is mandatory for women under Iran’s strict interpretation of Islamic law that is enforced by the country’s so-called morality police.
Protests erupted across Iran in 2022 against the dress code following the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in the custody of the morality police after being arrested for allegedly not wearing her headscarf properly.
The subsequent violent crackdown by the Iranian regime killed hundreds of people. Since then, many Iranian women have protested by removing their headscarves in public.
Amnesty called for the immediate and unconditional release of the Azad University student and demanded she be given access to her family and lawyer.
“Allegations of beatings and sexual violence against her during the arrest need independent and impartial investigations,” the human rights campaigners said in a statement on X. “Those responsible must be held to account.”
Azad University’s public relations director Amir Mahjob stated in a post on X that the university’s security team had intervened “after the indecent act by one of the students” and had taken her to a police station.
In a later post citing a police report, he said the student “was under severe mental pressure and had a mental disorder.”
He also mentioned the student was a mother of two, separated from her husband, and expressed hope that her family’s reputation would not suffer from online “rumors.”
Interview Between Time.news Editor Alex Reed and Human Rights Expert Dr. Mira Khalil
Alex Reed: Good morning, Dr. Khalil. Thank you for joining us today. Your insights into human rights issues in Iran are invaluable, especially in light of recent events, such as the female student who staged a protest against the dress code by stripping to her underwear.
Dr. Mira Khalil: Good morning, Alex. It’s a pleasure to be here. It’s indeed a significant and troubling event, emblematic of the ongoing struggles women face in Iran.
Alex Reed: Let’s start with the incident itself. The student’s bold act of defiance has garnered attention both in Iran and internationally. What does this kind of protest signify in the context of Iran’s strict Islamic dress code?
Dr. Khalil: This protest represents a critical moment in the ongoing fight against oppressive measures imposed on women in Iran. By stripping down, the student is reclaiming her body and autonomy in a society that has systematically suppressed these rights. It’s a visceral challenge to the government’s enforcement of the dress code, which is deeply intertwined with cultural and religious norms that can often feel suffocating.
Alex Reed: In your view, how does social media play a role in amplifying these protests? The video of this incident quickly went viral, with organizations like Amnesty International getting involved.
Dr. Khalil: Social media has become an essential tool for mobilization and awareness. In places where traditional media is heavily censored, platforms like X and Instagram allow individuals to share their narratives widely. The viral nature of this protest has not only sparked conversations within Iran but also drawn international attention, putting pressure on the Iranian authorities. The involvement of organizations like Amnesty International highlights the global implications of local actions.
Alex Reed: We’ve seen similar protests in the wake of tragic events, such as the death of Mahsa Amini last year. How do these incidents connect, and do you think they could lead to sustained change?
Dr. Khalil: Absolutely, the tragic death of Mahsa Amini was a catalyst that ignited widespread dissent. The connection lies in the collective anger and frustration over systemic oppression. While it’s difficult to predict the extent of change, what is evident is that these protests galvanize solidarity among various groups, empowering individuals to express their dissent. Each incident builds on the momentum for reform, and there’s a real risk for the authorities if they continue to respond with violence.
Alex Reed: Speaking of the authorities’ response, reports indicate the student was violently arrested shortly after her protest. What implications does this have for future activism in Iran?
Dr. Khalil: Such violent crackdowns can create a chilling effect, where individuals fear repercussions for their actions. However, history has shown that oppression often leads to stronger resistance. Activists might become more strategic in their methods to avoid confrontations, or they may also find creative ways to express their dissent that can evade direct repression.
Alex Reed: Mai Sato, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Islamic Republic of Iran, mentioned she would be monitoring the situation closely. How crucial is international attention in supporting domestic movements for change?
Dr. Khalil: International scrutiny is vital. It places pressure on the Iranian government to adhere to human rights standards and holds them accountable for their actions. Moreover, global support can provide encouragement and validation to domestic activists, reminding them that they are not alone in their fight. The more the international community acknowledges and acts upon these issues, the harder it becomes for oppressive regimes to disregard the will of their people.
Alex Reed: what message do you hope this incident conveys to women in Iran and around the world regarding their rights and freedoms?
Dr. Khalil: I hope this incident empowers women to continue speaking up and challenging oppressive norms. It sends a strong message that taking a stand, regardless of the risks, is a fundamental part of the fight for equality and justice. Women everywhere should feel emboldened by this act of defiance—it’s a reminder that change often begins with a courageous stand against injustice.
Alex Reed: Thank you, Dr. Khalil, for your insightful analysis. It’s clear that the struggle for rights in Iran continues, and the world is watching. We appreciate your time and expertise on this pressing issue.
Dr. Khalil: Thank you for having me, Alex. Let’s hope for a future where dignity and equality are upheld for all.