Images of the scene in Iran’s capital are making the rounds on social media. A video shows the young woman walking back and forth with her arms crossed while wearing only a bra and panties. According to the human rights organization Hengaw, her action protested against strict dress codes in Iran, reportedly after a clash with security forces.
“For most women it is one of their worst nightmares to appear in public in their underwear,” someone writes on the video on
Pro-government media reported that the university security service handed the student over to police, claiming she had “mental” problems. According to Amir Mahjob, a spokesperson for the university, “it was determined at the police station that she was under severe mental pressure and had a mental disorder.” The newspaper Hamshahri writes that the young woman “will most likely be transferred to a psychiatric institution after an examination.”
The Islamic Republic of Iran has strict dress codes for women. They must wear a headscarf in public spaces. The moral police check whether the rules are being followed, but the younger generations are increasingly ignoring them, especially in Tehran and other major cities. Human rights organization Amnesty International immediately called for the release of the woman who had undressed.
