There has been no news since Saturday 2 November of Ahoo Daryaei, the student at Tehran’s Azad University who became the face of a courageous and desperate protest. In a video that went around the world, the young woman takes off her veil and then her clothes in the university courtyard, remaining in her underwear, with her arms crossed and her gaze steady, as if to challenge the restrictions imposed on women the veil in Iran. Local sources report that university guards stopped her because her veil was “not properly worn”: members of the Basij militia then tore her veil and clothes. Faced with what she experienced as harassment and intolerable limitation, the girl reacted with a powerful and visible gesture of protest. The video, which first shows her motionless in the courtyard surrounded by incredulous looks, then walking away on foot, has sparked a wave of solidarity and concern. Shortly after leaving, however, some men are seen getting out of a car and dragging her away. Since then, nothing has been known about Ahoo. The fear, writes Avvenire, is that she was taken to the police station, interrogated and then imprisoned, following a script now sadly known for those who protest against the rigid rules of female clothing and behavior in the country.
Comparisons with Mahsa Amini, the 22-year-old who died in 2022 after being arrested by the morality police, were not long in coming. Amini’s death gave birth to the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement, which triggered a series of protests in Iran and around the world. The concern also extends to other similar cases: such as Nika Shakaram, just sixteen years old, found dead after being arrested by security forces, and Arezou Badri, 32 years old, seriously injured after being shot while traveling without the veil.
In response to Ahoo Daryaei’s arrest, Amnesty International called for his immediate release, denouncing the risk of physical and sexual violence during his detention and calling for independent investigations into the conditions of his arrest. According to what was reported by a student newsletter on Telegram and confirmed by some sources close to the university, the young woman was transferred to a psychiatric hospital on orders of the authorities. Amir Mahjoub, representative of Azad University, declared that the girl would suffer from “psychological problems”, while government media released a video with a man who introduced himself as her husband and said that Ahoo is the mother of two children and that she would mental health difficulties. But, according to many Iranian citizens and activists, it would be a strategy to delegitimize the protests and silence dissident voices by labeling them as unstable. The United Nations special rapporteur for human rights in Iran, Maio Sato, declared that she is carefully monitoring the situation, while messages of solidarity towards Ahoo and calls for her release are multiplying on social media.
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**Interviewer:** Welcome to our show. Today, we’re discussing the recent protest by Ahoo Daryaei, a university student in Iran, who stripped down in a bold anti-hijab protest. With us is human rights advocate, Dr. Sarah Elmi. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Elmi.
**Dr. Elmi:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** Let’s start with Ahoo’s protest. It’s been described as a courageous act against the oppressive hijab laws in Iran. What do you think motivated her to take such a drastic step?
**Dr. Elmi:** Ahoo’s protest reflects both personal and societal frustration. Her actions were likely a reaction to the intense scrutiny and harassment that women face under these laws. By stripping down, she challenged the restrictions imposed upon women in a very visible way, symbolizing the fight for autonomy over one’s own body.
**Interviewer:** This incident evokes memories of Mahsa Amini, whose tragic death sparked worldwide protests. Do you think there’s a direct connection between these events?
**Dr. Elmi:** Absolutely. Mahsa Amini’s death became a rallying cry for the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement, which has inspired many women to stand up against the regime. Ahoo’s act of defiance is another chapter in this ongoing battle for rights and freedoms for women in Iran, and it illustrates the deep-rooted issues surrounding gender discrimination in the country.
**Interviewer:** After Ahoo’s bold protest, she was reportedly taken away by armed individuals. What are the implications of this incident for the safety of activists in Iran?
**Dr. Elmi:** The fear is palpable. Activists, especially women, face severe repercussions for standing up against the regime. Ahoo’s disappearance raises alarm bells about the potential for arrest, interrogation, and even violence against those who dare to protest. The government’s response to dissent is often harsh, making it perilous for activists who are simply advocating for their rights.
**Interviewer:** The global community has been responding to these incidents. What role do you think international attention plays in this situation?
**Dr. Elmi:** International attention is crucial. It can provide a level of protection to activists by putting pressure on the Iranian government and bringing public awareness to their plight. When the world is watching, it can deter repressive actions. However, we also need sustained advocacy, not just fleeting moments of outrage, to create real change.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Elmi, for sharing your insights on this urgent issue. The situation in Iran is indeed concerning, and voices like Ahoo’s are vital in the fight for change.
**Dr. Elmi:** Thank you for highlighting this important issue. Solidarity is key, and we must continue to support those brave enough to step forward.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for tuning in. Stay informed and engaged on this critical issue.
