Human rights activists have called on the Iranian authorities for the 22-year-old student, Ahoo Daryaei, who was arrested after she took off her clothes at a university to protest against the mandatory hijab.
A video showing Ahoo Daryaei sitting on a step wearing her underwear and then calmly walking along a path at the Science and Research Department of the Islamic Azad University in Tehran was circulated on social media on Saturday (2/11).
She was a student who had a mental health crisis, shouting on the pavement and was subsequently treated by medical professionals. #iranians #AhooDaryaei #CallForJustice #digvijayrathee #SiblingLove #CanadianTerrorists #MondayMood #grenadeattack #INDvNZ #MissionToUniteFamilies pic.twitter.com/6a3ALHcUoq
— MAHREEN KHAN (@MAHREENKHAN786) November 4, 2024
In the second, longer video, plainclothes agents are seen forcibly arresting Ahoo Daryaei and forcing her into a car.
#The Middle East – #Iranian authorities have arrested the youth #student who turned up at an Iranian university with her hair and underwear exposed, in protest at the way they were treated by the ‘morality police’. Ahoo Daryaei was forced into a car and then taken to a police station. pic.twitter.com/GR9dczBtKS
Azad University said the woman is suffering from a “mental disorder” and has been transferred to a “psychiatric hospital”. Many Iranians on social media disputed her claim and portrayed her actions as part of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement, with Iranian women publicly flouting laws that require them to cover their hair and dress long loose wear.
More than 500 people were reportedly killed during mass protests that occurred two years ago after the murder of 22-year-old Mahsha Amini by the Moral Police of the theocratic regime of Iran for not wearing the hijab “correctly”.
The Amirkabir Newsletter Telegram channel – which describes itself as a “media outlet of the Iranian student movement” and was the first to report the situation – reported that the woman was worried by security agents because she was not wearing headphones, which resulted in her being removed during the year. of the pit. According to the same information, Ahoo Daryaei was beaten until her head bled and taken to an unknown location.
A witness told BBC Persian that Ahoo Daryaei entered the classroom at Azad University and started filming students. When the professor protested, she left screaming, they said. According to witnesses, the woman told the students: “I came to save you.”
Meanwhile, Iranian media released a video of a man whose face was blurred, claiming to be the woman’s ex-husband, and asked the public not to share the video for the sake of her two children. BBC Persian was unable to verify the man’s claims.
“When I protested against the compulsory hijab, after being arrested by security forces, my family was pressured to declare that I am mentally ill,” said Canadian women’s rights activist Azam Zhangravi, who fled the Iran after he sentenced her to three years in prison. scarf during a protest in 2018.
“My family didn’t, but many families are under pressure, seeing it as the best way to protect their loved ones. In this way, the Islamic Republic is trying to discredit women, questioning their mental health,” he said.
Amnesty International said Iran “must immediately and unconditionally release the forcibly arrested student.” “Until she is released, the authorities must protect her from torture and other ill-treatment and ensure access to family and a lawyer. We need independent and impartial investigations into allegations of beatings and sexual violence against her during her arrest. Those responsible must be held accountable,” the statement added.
The UN Special Rapporteur on Iran, May Sato, put the matter on X and wrote that she would be ”closely monitoring this incident, including the response of the authorities.”
Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nargis Mohammadi, who is currently in prison
“The student who protested at the university turned her body – a long suppressed weapon – into a symbol of protest. I demand their freedom and an end to the harassment of women,” said Nargis Mohammadi.
NEWS today:
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Dr. Laleh Azami, Human Rights Expert on Iran
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Azami. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent arrest of Ahoo Daryaei at the Islamic Azad University. This incident has sparked significant attention online and offline. Could you provide an overview of the situation?
Dr. Azami: Thank you for having me. The incident with Ahoo Daryaei is quite alarming and represents a broader struggle in Iran regarding women’s rights and freedom of expression. She took off her clothes in a protest against the mandatory hijab law, an act that many are interpreting as a powerful statement within the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement. Her subsequent arrest by plainclothes agents has raised serious concerns about the Iranian government’s treatment of dissenters, especially women.
Editor: There are conflicting narratives surrounding Daryaei’s mental health and motivations. The university claimed she was suffering from a “mental disorder,” while many observers argue her actions were part of a larger protest movement. How should we interpret these differing viewpoints?
Dr. Azami: It’s important to recognize the context. While mental health issues can affect many individuals, the Iranian authorities have a history of using such claims to delegitimize protests and discredit activists. Daryaei’s actions resonate with a significant portion of the population that is increasingly refusing to comply with oppressive dress codes imposed by the morality police. This reaction from the authorities could reflect their fear of a growing movement for women’s rights and personal freedoms.
Editor: The social media reaction to her protest has been mixed. Some support her as a symbol of defiance, while others are concerned about the implications for her mental health. What does this polarization indicate about societal attitudes in Iran?
Dr. Azami: The polarized response highlights a generational divide within Iranian society. On one hand, there is a strong contingent supporting women’s rights and demanding changes to oppressive laws. On the other hand, more conservative segments of society may still hold traditional views, complicating the dialogue around mental health and protest. Nevertheless, the growing visibility of activists, like Daryaei, coupled with public skepticism regarding the government’s narrative, indicates a significant push for change.
Editor: Ahoo Daryaei’s situation also resurrects memories of the protests that erupted after Mahsha Amini’s death last year. Can you provide insight into how these events are interconnected?
Dr. Azami: Absolutely. The tragic death of Mahsha Amini at the hands of the morality police ignited widespread protests across Iran, resulting in the deaths of over 500 individuals. Ahoo Daryaei’s protest can be seen as a continuation of that crucial moment in Iran’s history. Women like Daryaei are not only demanding their own rights but are also standing in solidarity with the women and men who have fought—and continue to fight—for fundamental freedoms in Iran.
Editor: The Iranian government often employs force to suppress dissent. What impact do you think this has on the willingness of individuals to protest or stand up against such restrictions?
Dr. Azami: Fear is a powerful deterrent. However, the increased brutality may also have the opposite effect—fueling resistance and drawing the attention of the international community. Many individuals feel compelled to act because they believe change is necessary, despite the risks involved. The courage demonstrated by individuals like Daryaei can inspire others, creating a ripple effect throughout society and potentially leading to more organized movements for change.
Editor: In your opinion, how can the international community effectively support Iranian activists and push for human rights in Iran?
Dr. Azami: It’s crucial for the international community to not only condemn human rights violations but also to support grassroots movements through advocacy, funding, and diplomatic pressure. Creating spaces where Iranian voices can be heard, promoting awareness through media, and supporting those who risk everything for freedoms can bolster the morale of activists on the ground. Furthermore, campaigns focusing on individual cases, like Ahoo Daryaei’s, can generate global attention that puts pressure on the Iranian government to reform its practices.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Azami. Your insights on this pressing issue are invaluable, and we appreciate your time and expertise.
Dr. Azami: Thank you for bringing attention to this vital issue. It’s imperative that we continue to spotlight these events and support the brave individuals fighting for their rights in Iran.