On Saturday, a female student undressed at the Islamic Azad University in Tehran, an act that social media users quickly interpreted as a protest against Iran’s strict Islamic dress code. The government, however, has described her as a “troubled individual” rather than a security threat.
A government spokesperson, Fatemeh Mohajerani, emphasized the administration’s approach to handling the incident. “We are addressing this situation from a social perspective, aiming to assist the student with her challenges,” Mohajerani stated on Tuesday, marking the government’s first official response.
Identified on social media as Ahoo Daryaei, the young woman was initially taken to a police station but has since been moved to a treatment facility. However, details about her treatment have not been disclosed.
The university confirmed her detention by security guards, and a spokesperson, Amir Mahjob, noted that she was “under severe mental pressure and diagnosed with a mental disorder” at the police station.
Read: Iranian Woman Strips in Protest at University
This incident occurs amid a broader defiance against mandatory veiling in Iran, highlighted by the protests following the September 2022 death of Mahsa Amini. Amini died under the custody of morality police, allegedly for violating hijab regulations, sparking nationwide protests that were met with force by security personnel.
Amnesty International has called for the young woman’s immediate release, reporting her “violent arrest” on November 2 for protesting compulsory veiling.
The government has confirmed that Daryaei is not facing criminal charges. This situation continues to draw significant attention on social media, linking it to broader anti-government sentiments following the Amini case.
