A female student who stripped to her underwear at an Iranian university does not represent a security issue but is a “troubled individual” rather than a security threat, Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani has said.
The young woman undressed on Saturday at the Islamic Azad University in Tehran, an act that was widely perceived on social media as a protest against Iran’s strict Islamic dress code.
Mohajerani said that the young woman, identified as Ahoo Daryaei on social media, Daryaei was reportedly transferred from police custody to a treatment centre, although specifics regarding the type of treatment were not disclosed.
The spokesperson added, “It is yet too soon to speak of this student’s return to university. According to a video published by her husband, she needs treatment, and that needs to be completed before taking the next steps.”
“Instead of viewing this issue under a security lens, we are rather looking at it with a social lens and seek to solve the problems of this student as a troubled individual,” Mohajerani said.
This incident occurs amid increasing numbers of Iranian women defying the authorities’ dress mandates.
Amnesty International has condemned Daryaei’s “violent arrest,” calling for her immediate release and denouncing the “abusive enforcement of compulsory veiling.”
