tehran: The court has released the student who came into limelight by taking off her clothes in the campus of an Iranian university. The court has accepted that he did this due to illness, hence he should not be prosecuted. Iran’s court said on Tuesday that it would not prosecute a student who walked around a Tehran university in underwear. “The girl was sent to the hospital and doctors found that she was ill,” judiciary spokesman Asghar Jahangir said. Keeping this in mind, he was handed over to his family and no judicial case has been registered against him. The court accepted as correct the reports which stated that the student was not mentally fit due to family problems. People close to him had seen signs of abnormal behavior in him earlier also. His fellow students were also included in these.
What is the whole matter?
This month, in early November, a video footage of the student went viral. In this, she was seen roaming around the Islamic Azad University of Tehran in underwear. When this video went viral, it was discussed not only in Iran but all over the world. The reason for this is that after the Islamic Revolution of 1979 in Iran, a dress code is in force for women, in which it is necessary for them to wear clothes covering their head.
Despite the strict dress code for women in Iran, the video of a student emerging from the Public Palace created a stir. It was believed that he might get strict punishment for this. Human rights organizations around the world, reacting to this case, appealed not to punish the girl and criticized Iran’s dress code.
Was not even suspended from the university
Hossein Simoei, the minister responsible for overseeing universities in Iran, has called the student’s removal of her clothes an ‘immoral act’. However, he also clarified that he was not expelled from the university. He said that such incidents should not be encouraged as they are neither morally nor religiously appropriate.
Women’s dress code law in Iran is enforced by the country’s moral police and punishes women for violations. The dress code for women in Iran has been controversial. In 2022, there were massive protests across Iran against the dress code following the death of 22-year-old woman Mahsa Amini.
How can educational institutions effectively reduce the stigma surrounding mental health among students?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Mental Health Expert Dr. Nadia Rezaei
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Rezaei. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent case involving a student at a Tehran university who walked around in his underwear, which the court has attributed to a mental health crisis. It’s a fascinating and sensitive subject. Could you give us your perspective on what might lead to such drastic behavior in a young person?
Dr. Rezaei: Thank you for having me. It’s indeed a complex issue. Such behavior can often signal underlying mental health problems, particularly in adolescents and young adults who are navigating various stressors, including familial pressures, academic expectations, and social dynamics. In this case, we saw an individual displaying signs of distress, which can manifest in extreme actions.
Time.news Editor: The court has stated that the student was sent to a hospital where doctors confirmed he was suffering from illness. How important is it for societies, especially in various cultural contexts like Iran, to recognize mental health issues in such scenarios?
Dr. Rezaei: It’s critically important. Mental health awareness varies significantly across cultures. In many societies, including Iran, mental health issues are often stigmatized, which can prevent individuals from seeking help. The fact that the court acknowledged the student’s mental health condition demonstrates a potential shift in societal attitudes, indicating that there is a growing recognition that mental health should be treated with the same urgency as physical health.
Time.news Editor: That’s a significant point. Given the familial issues mentioned in this case, what role do family dynamics play in the mental well-being of students, particularly in stressful academic environments?
Dr. Rezaei: Family dynamics are crucial. Young individuals often rely heavily on their families for support. Stressful or dysfunctional family environments can exacerbate feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. In this case, the reports suggest that the student faced familial challenges, which could have contributed to their mental state. Supportive environments are essential for fostering resilience and healthy coping mechanisms.
Time.news Editor: In light of this incident, what measures do you think educational institutions should take to better support students facing similar mental health challenges?
Dr. Rezaei: Universities should prioritize mental health services by providing accessible counseling and supportive resources. Creating an environment where students feel safe to discuss their struggles is paramount. Additionally, training staff and faculty on recognizing the signs of mental health issues can make a significant difference. Institutions can also promote peer support programs that encourage students to look out for one another.
Time.news Editor: with the court’s decision not to prosecute the student, do you think this sets a precedent for how similar cases might be handled in the future?
Dr. Rezaei: I hope so. This decision can pave the way for more compassionate and understanding approaches to mental health crises, emphasizing the need for treatment rather than punishment. It encourages a narrative that prioritizes care over criminalization, which is essential for fostering healthier societies. If this case ignites discussions on reforming how mental health cases are viewed legally and socially, then it could indeed be a significant turning point.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rezaei, for your insights into this very important topic. It’s crucial that we continue to foster dialog around mental health, especially in contexts where it is often overlooked. Your expertise is greatly appreciated.
Dr. Rezaei: Thank you for bringing attention to this matter. It’s imperative we keep advocating for mental health awareness and support.