Sepideh Rashnu Faces Four-Month Sentence on Appeal Amidst New Legal Challenges

Sepideh Rashnu, a student and vocal opponent of compulsory hijab, has been handed a four-month prison sentence by the Tehran Court of Appeal, as reported by Shargh Newspaper. Her lawyer, Milad Panahi Pour, disclosed that she is concurrently grappling with yet another legal case.

Rashnu was found guilty of “disseminating vulgar images on the Internet.” Panahi Pour clarified that, following the initial verdict, they filed an appeal. However, yesterday they were notified about the appellate court’s decision while en route to present their defense.

In addition to the ongoing legal proceedings, a new case has been initiated against Mrs. Rashnu, triggering the activation of a previously suspended three-year, seven-month sentence. Consequently, she is now facing a cumulative prison term of three years and eleven months.

This isn’t the first time Rashnu has encountered legal challenges stemming from her refusal to adhere to hijab rules. She had previously received a two-semester suspension from the university. Moreover, on July 16, 2022, security forces arrested her following an altercation on a city bus, during which she was harassed and physically assaulted by a woman who deemed her hijab improper.

Student Sepideh Rashnu Receives Six-Month Prison Sentence and Additional Penalties

Sepideh Rashnu (Rashno), a student widely recognized for her opposition to compulsory Hijab, has been sentenced to six months in prison, along with additional penalties.

Rashnu publicly announced on social media that she has been sentenced to six months in prison, fined, and prohibited from using Instagram for one year. Furthermore, the court has ordered the permanent removal of her Instagram page.

The court session, held in absentia on October 2, 2023, addressed charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “incitement to immorality and indecency.”

Prior to this sentencing, Rashnu had already been suspended from the university for two semesters for alleged “non-compliance with the Islamic dress code.”

Her activism has previously led to arrests and convictions.

Sepideh Rashnu Faces Arraignment at Evin Courthouse

Sepideh Rashnu, a student who has been vocal about her opposition to compulsory hijab, was arraigned at Evin Courthouse and subsequently released on bail.

Rashnu faces charges of “provoking promiscuity and engaging in propaganda against the regime.” Following her arraignment, she was briefly held in Ward 209 of Evin Prison before being released upon posting a one-billion bail. However, she is now prohibited from leaving Tehran.

Speaking about the accusations, Rashnu clarified, “Merely sharing a few photos of myself without a headscarf on my personal page does not justify their claims of promoting promiscuity and immodesty. Nor does it imply an association with everyone I follow on social media.”

This is not the first instance where Rashnu has encountered legal troubles due to her refusal to comply with hijab rules. She had previously received a two-semester suspension from the university. Furthermore, on July 16, she was arrested by security forces following an altercation on a city bus, during which she was harassed and physically assaulted by a woman who deemed her hijab improper.