Female Student Detained After Removing Clothes

This afternoon, November 2, a female student at Tehran’s Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, removed her clothes in a public. Student sources report that security forces violently detained her, transferring her to an undisclosed location.

According to Amirkabir Newsletter, the confrontation began when university security officers approached the student aggressively, citing her lack of compliance with hijab regulations. In response to this altercation, she removed her clothing and remained in only her undergarments as a form of protest before being detained with force.

In contrast, Fars News Agency disputed the claims of violent treatment, alleging instead that “the student attended class in inappropriate attire. After university security reminded her of the campus dress code, she undressed and walked around the university grounds unclothed.”

However, some sources have attributed the student’s actions to her mental state, denying any link to the issue of compulsory hijab.

The student’s identity remains unknown. HRANA continues to investigate whether mandatory hijab may have been a factor in this incident and to clarify the student’s possible motivations.

The original report was published on November 2 and was updated with new information on November 4.

Widespread Arrests at Islamic Azad University Central Tehran for Alleged Hijab Non-Compliance

On May 26, multiple reports surfaced of the arrest of female students at Islamic Azad University Central Tehran Branch due to alleged non-compliance with hijab regulations.

According to Amir Kabir news channel, at least 100 students were forcibly detained by police armed with guns and batons at the university gates. The students were taken to two vans and were only released after signing a commitment letter to adhere to hijab rules, with some being allowed to leave only after changing their veil.

This incident is part of the broader enforcement under the “Noor” plan, initiated on April 13 to intensify the enforcement of mandatory hijab laws. This has led to several reports of violent incidents and arrests concerning hijab regulations across the country.

In September, HRANA issued a detailed review of Iran’s “Bill to Support the Family by Promoting the Culture of Chastity and Hijab.” This bill has raised international alarms over escalating restrictions on women’s rights and freedoms.

Iran Protests: Two Students Sentenced to a Total of Six Years

The Kashan Revolutionary Court sentenced Alireza Ghamgosar, a student at the University of Kashan, to two years in prison. Also, Alborz Adi, a student at Islamic Azad University in Najafabad, was sentenced to four years in prison, of which two years are suspended. Both students were arrested during recent nationwide protests.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, Alireza Ghamgosar was sentenced to two years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

On September 20, 2022, security forces arrested Ghamgosar at nationwide protests in the city of Rasht.

Alborz Adi was sentenced to two years in prison and two years suspended imprisonment. He was arrested two times by security forces on October 3 in Najafabad, Isfahan Province, and then on October 31, 2022, in Langarud. For the second time, he was released on bail on December 31, 2022.

 

University Professor Bijan Abdolkarimi Fired for Defending Pahlavi Monarchy

On Saturday, September 4, Bijan Abdolkarimi was fired from his position at the North Tehran Branch of Azad University

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, quoting Didban Iran, Abdolkarimi was dismissed from his position as associate professor in the Department of Philosophy for “defending Pahlavi monarchy”.

“He is not qualified to be a member of the faculty of the Islamic Azad University,” a section of the order states. “By this ruling, Bijan Abdolkarimi’s [teaching] code has been annulled since yesterday (Saturday, September 4), and the issued verdict is final and must be enforced.”

Bijan Abdolkarimi has 20 years of teaching experience. He is the director of the Culture Critique press and the translator of several books. According to Didban Iran, Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, the President of the Islamic Azad University, has issued a letter ordering a re-examination of Bijan Abdolkarimi’s file.

“The Supreme Board of Appeal examined the issue again and the execution of the sentence should be stopped until the hearing in the board,” Tehranchi said.