A recent video of a young woman walking in her undergarments on Saturday at an Iranian university is going viral across social media platforms. In the video, security can be seen detaining the unknown woman in one of the branches of the Islamic Azad University. According to media reports, the woman was perhaps protesting against the stringent Islamic dress code (Hijab) in the country.
Amir Mahjob, the university spokesperson said on X, “It was determined at the police station that she was under severe mental distress and had a mental disorder.”
In response to the viral video, ‘Amnesty Iran’ has issued a statement, saying “Iran’s authorities must immediately & unconditionally release the university student, arrested violently on Nov 2 after she removed her clothes to protest against abusive enforcement of compulsory veiling by security officials at Tehran’s Islamic Azad University.”
Amnesty International further demanded, “Pending her release, authorities must protect her from torture & other ill-treatment & ensure access to family & lawyer. Allegations of beatings & sexual violence against her during arrest need independent & impartial investigations. Those responsible must held to account.”
However, while some social media users have regarded the young woman’s protest as intentional, many appreciated her for her brave act. One of the users wrote, “For most women, being in public in their underwear is one of their worst nightmares. This is a response to the authorities’ stubborn insistence on mandatory hijab.”
Another user said, “Incredible how brave the Iranian women are. Respect.”
A third commented, “My respect for this young woman. How brave! Hopefully, she survives.”