A female Iranian student at Tehran’s Islamic Azad University protested against an assault by the Basij paramilitary militia for allegedly not wearing the mandatory hijab properly by stripping down to her underwear on campus. The video of the incident went viral on social media, leading to her subsequent arrest. The student, identified as Ahoo Daryaei by media outlets in France and Germany, was severely assaulted by security forces, prompting concern from the U.N.’s special rapporteur for Iran, Mai Soto. The student’s act of resistance against the regime’s oppressive laws reflects the frustration and hopelessness felt by many Iranians, according to Iranian American lawyer Elika Eftekhari.
The protest by the Iranian student is part of a broader trend of women in Iran defying mandatory Islamic hijab laws and challenging the regime’s authority. The Woman, Life, Freedom demonstrations following the murder of Mahsa Amini two years ago have put a spotlight on women’s rights in Iran. Lisa Daftari, an expert on Iran, notes that each act of defiance builds confidence in others to stand up against the regime’s oppressive laws. Iranian American activist Masih Alinejad praised the student’s protest as a powerful reminder of Iranian women’s fight for freedom. Despite President Masoud Pezeshkian’s campaign pledge to end morality police patrols targeting women for hijab violations, critics doubt the sincerity of his promise.
The incident at Tehran’s Science and Research University underscores the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and freedom in Iran. The student’s arrest and the subsequent support from human rights activists and international observers highlight the repressive nature of the Iranian regime. The U.S.-designated terrorist organization Basij, a paramilitary arm of the IRGC, plays a key role in enforcing the regime’s strict dress codes and morality laws. Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, retains ultimate control over legislation and laws in the highly repressive state, making meaningful reforms challenging to achieve.
The international community has condemned the Iranian regime’s actions and expressed solidarity with the protesters challenging its authority. The student’s act of civil disobedience resonates with Iranians seeking regime change rather than reform. The Alliance for Human Rights and Democracy in Iran, along with other advocacy groups, calls on the U.S. and Western countries to support the student and others like her through public statements and social media campaigns. By highlighting individual acts of resistance, the global community can help amplify the voices of those advocating for human rights and freedom in Iran.
The Iranian government’s crackdown on dissent and opposition, particularly regarding women’s rights and dress code violations, has drawn widespread criticism from human rights organizations and activists around the world. The student’s protest, while courageous, also underscores the risks faced by those challenging the regime’s authority. The Iranian regime’s continued enforcement of oppressive laws, such as the hijab and chastity bill, indicates a persistent disregard for individual rights and freedoms. As the Iranian people continue to push for change, the international community must stand in solidarity with their struggle for democracy and human rights.
