Iranian student's bold protest sparks global outcry

The situation of women in the Middle East significantly differs from Canadian, European, or American standards. They are often forced to wear government-mandated clothing, and their status is largely dependent on husbands or fathers, to whom women are expected to be obedient. Issues of domestic violence or family violence, regardless of the scale, often go unquestioned. Mothers, daughters, and wives are expected to fulfill the will of men and endure suffering with patience. Occasionally, a woman refuses to comply and begins to resist the government, but her determination is often met with violence.

On November 2, 2024, in Tehran, a student from Islamic Azad University staged a protest. Videos posted online show a woman walking on the sidewalk wearing only panties and a bra. Her action was in response to a previous incident at the university where she was reportedly accused by government service officers of "improper attire." Her shawl was allegedly torn, and her clothes were destroyed.

Internet users worldwide speculate that this protest was an attempt to challenge the Iranian government's regulations requiring women to wear loose clothing and cover their hair with a shawl. After a brief period during which she sat on a wall, walked, and sang, a car approached her and several men emerged. The woman was forcefully put into the vehicle, which then left the scene. The men were later identified as members of the Basij militia, known for its brutality in serving the regime.

Activists from Amnesty International have taken up the case of the Iranian student. In a post on platform X, the organization wrote: "The Iranian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release the university student who was brutally arrested on November 2 after removing her clothes in protest against abuses related to the mandatory wearing of the hijab by security officers at Islamic Azad University in Tehran. Until her release, the authorities must ensure her protection from torture and other ill-treatment and allow contact with her family and lawyer. Allegations of assault and sexual violence against her during the arrest must be subject to an independent and impartial investigation. Those responsible must be held accountable."

Mai Sato, United Nations special envoy for Iran, also commented on the matter. The politician wrote on platform X that she "will closely monitor this incident, including the authorities' response."

Representatives from Islamic Azad University claim the woman was taken to a psychiatric hospital. However, activists have expressed concerns about her well-being and further fate.