In an extraordinary act that has drawn global attention, a young woman at an Iranian university stripped down to her underwear in what many believe was a protest against Iran’s strict Islamic dress code. The incident, which occurred on Saturday at the Islamic Azad University, was captured on video and widely circulated on social media. In the footage, security guards are seen detaining the woman, whose identity remains undisclosed.
Following the incident, Amir Mahjob, a spokesperson for the university, commented on the platform X (formerly Twitter), stating that the woman was found to be “under severe mental pressure” and claimed she has “a mental disorder.” However, not everyone is convinced by the official explanation. Many social media users suggest her actions were deliberate, a silent yet powerful form of protest against the mandatory hijab regulations that have become a lightning rod in Iran.
“For most women, being out in public in their underwear is one of their worst nightmares,” wrote Lei La, a user on X. “This is a reaction to the authorities’ insistence on the mandatory hijab.” The act of stripping down has resonated with Iranians and international observers alike, symbolising a deep-seated frustration with what some see as oppressive, state-imposed modesty laws.
The woman’s current situation remains unclear. According to Hamshahri, a major Iranian newspaper, an “informed source” suggested that she is likely to be transferred to a mental health facility following an investigation.
This incident is the latest in a series of public acts of defiance by Iranian women. Since the death of Mahsa Amini, a young Kurdish woman detained by Iran’s morality police in September 2022 for allegedly violating hijab rules, there has been a noticeable shift. Nationwide protests erupted after Amini’s death, marking one of the most significant public dissent movements in Iran in recent years. While the authorities eventually suppressed the protests, they ignited a growing wave of resistance, especially among women who have been discarding their veils in open defiance of the rules.
Despite the risks, women across Iran continue to challenge the dress code. For many, it has become a symbol of the struggle for personal and political freedoms. This latest act at Islamic Azad University, whether deemed a mental health issue or a purposeful statement, underscores the broader tensions at play. As Iran’s government grapples with how to address this wave of resistance, the world watches closely, knowing that for many Iranian women, this is not just about the hijab—it is a battle for autonomy, dignity, and rights long denied.
Melissa Enoch
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