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On Saturday in Iran, a 30 year old female French Literature student was harassed by members of the Basij security forces over her “improper”use of the hijab. She didn’t back down and turned her body into a protest, according to witnesses, members of the Basij tore off her headscarf, an incident that led Daryaei to stage a protest by stripping down to her underwear outside Tehran’s Islamic Azad University. drawing a crowd of students and onlookers. as she marched through the campus.
Her protest speaks to the frustration felt by many Iranian women who oppose the dress codes mandating headscarves and loose clothing, a requirement strictly enforced by Iran’s morality police. stripping to her underwear outside Tehran’s Islamic Azad University.and marching through campus defying a regime that constantly controls women’s bodies. Her act is a powerful reminder of Iranian women’s fight for freedom.
The name of this iconic woman student of defiance has been identified by some media outlets as Ahoo Daryaei,(meaning Deer of the Sea) herdramatic act of protest against Iran’s strict dress code by stripping down in public has raised fears for her safety and amplified international calls for reform. Following her protest, Daryaei was forcibly taken away by men in plain clothes and hasn’t been seen since.
Various media reports indicate that she was initially taken to a local police station, where authorities claim she showed signs of mental distress. Amir Mahjob, a university spokesperson, publicly stated that Daryaei has a “mental disorder,” a claim often used by Iranian authorities to justify detentions in such cases.
Later reports suggest she may have been transferred to a mental health facility, but other sources claim she is in custody at an undisclosed location. Her family and supporters worry about her safety amid concerns that detainees in similar cases have faced torture or harsh treatment while in custody.
In 2022, widespread demonstrations erupted across Iran after the death of Mahsa Amini, a young Kurdish woman who died a victim of police brutality for not wearing a hijab, women protested and circulated the rallying cry, “Woman, Life, Freedom.” These protests led to a brutal government crackdown, resulting in the deaths of 551 protesters and thousands of arrests.
While conditions for women have not improved since the protests, it has not stopped some brave women from continuing to defy the regime and taking a stand,often removing their headscarves in public, and activists continue to push for reforms. The government, however, has remained steadfast, deploying aggressive measures to suppress dissent.
International human rights organizations have responded swiftly to Daryaei’s detention. Amnesty International which has documented allegations of abuse against women in Iranian prisons over recent years,has issued statements demanding her immediate release, emphasizing that Daryaei should be protected from torture and other mistreatment while ensuring access to her family and legal counselemphasized the need for independent investigations into allegations of abuse during her arrest.
Meanwhile, UN Special Rapporteur Mai Sato expressed intent to monitor Daryaei’s case closely, and prominent Iranian activists have voiced their support, hailed her bravery and called her protest an urgent call against oppression.
As she remains in custody with her whereabouts unknown, this incident highlights the tensions surrounding Iran’s enforcement of conservative dress codes, sparking global criticism of the country’s treatment of women. It’s not about applauding a woman stripping off to her underwear. It’s applauding a woman standing up for her choice to wear whatever she wants.
I want everyone to understand that its possible to advocate for women's liberation while not amplifying orientalist ideas co-opted by white people to fuel their saviour complexes.
Images of Ahoo Daryaei, arms crossed, head held high, wearing only a purple bra and striped underwear, circulate widely on Iranian social media alongside videos of her brave act.and she has become a new symbol of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement.
The images of her boldly standing alone despite the immense danger she was in have been compared to other historical photos of rebellion and bravery. She has been compared to “Tank Man,” the unidentified man who stood alone in front of a column of tanks after the Tiananmen Square massacre, and to the lone man who refused to salute Adolf Hitler in a crowd of supporters. Powerful art renditions of Daryaei’s protest have already flooded X, depicting Daryaei holding a flag, standing in front of a tank, or taking the baton from her predecessors.
Social media has also been flooded with expressions of solidarity, with prominent figures, including actress Katayoun Riahi, urging the public not to let let individuals like Daryaei stand alone in their fight against oppression.Activist Hossein Ronaghi praised Daryaei's bravery, framing her protest as a heartfelt protest against the injustices faced by women in Iran.
Hossein Ronaghi a prominent activist who was jailed during the protests, in a post on X hailed the "bravery" of the student and described her action as a "cry from the bottom of the heart against the oppression that has taken the life out of people, especially women.".
Ahoo DaryaeiI embodies resistance against the moral police, representing the demands of many Iranian women.We must be worthy of her courage. All democracies, all international bodies, must stand up and protect Ahoo Daryaei, now! For her, for Mahsa Amini, for all the Women around the world, wherever they may be, who are fighting killer states, for their freedom. The move from fear to courage is the freedom of every human being.
The impact of her actions mean her life is in grave danger, though many are hoping the worldwide attention will discourage Iran authorities from harming her.Ahoo Daryaei's courage represents every woman’s right to freedom and dignity. We must tell her story. Stand with her and join the call on world leaders, that Iran must release Ahoo before it's too late!
Add your name now to pressure the Iranian regime and encourage the G20 governments and the UN to speak up. Sign and share now!
