In recent days, various media outlets and social media posts have circulated reports alleging that an Iranian woman was arrested for partially undressing in protest against Iran’s strict dress code. The reports claim she was physically harassed by university security at Tehran’s Islamic Azad University and even subjected to violence, as highlighted by organizations like Amnesty Iran. However, these allegations are unfounded, as our investigations reveal a very different set of circumstances. This article aims to fact-check these claims and provide clarity on what actually occurred.
Misinformation Spread in Media and Social Media
The story, which quickly gained traction online, claims that:
1. A woman partially undressed on the campus of Islamic Azad University to protest the dress code after allegedly being harassed by security.
2. She was reportedly beaten and subjected to sexual violence during her arrest.
3. Amnesty Iran called for her immediate release and an investigation into the allegations of abuse.
These claims have led to an outpouring of support from social media users, who praised her “bravery” in resisting Iran’s dress code policies. However, closer examination of the facts reveals these allegations to be unfounded.
Clarification from Azad University Officials
The Director General of Public Relations of Azad University has rejected the claims of security conflicts with the student, providing context on the actual incident:
– University investigations indicated that the woman, due to a known mental disorder, had been filming her classmates and professors without consent, which had previously led to disciplinary issues.
برخلاف شایعات و خیالپردازی‌های مجازی، هیچ زد و خوردی بین حراست و این دانشجو صورت نگرفته است و پس از تذکرهای متعدد ماموران حراست، دانشجوی خاطی به ماموران انتظامی معرفی شده است.
— سید امیر محجوب (@s_amirmahjob) November 2, 2024
شخصا با حضور در کلانتری، جویای حال ایشان شدم و بنابر تایید اورژانس حال جسمی ایشان کاملا مساعد گزارش شد https://t.co/SIYJ1ffMud
– After repeated warnings from both students and security, the student left the classroom, went into the university yard, and undressed—an act that university officials clarified had no relation to any political or protest statement.
– Contrary to rumors, there was no physical confrontation or “beating” from security personnel, who instead transferred her to the police in a calm and regulated manner.
– The university’s Director General personally visited the police station and confirmed that, according to medical examinations, her physical condition was fully stable, without any signs of assault.
These statements directly challenge the narrative circulating online, which suggests the woman was engaged in a political protest and subsequently faced abuse.
Additional Clarifications from Farhikhtegan Newspaper and Family Members
Further clarification was provided by Farhikhtegan, a university-focused newspaper, which quoted Seyed Amir Mahjoub, Azad University’s Director of Public Relations:
– The student involved in the incident was transferred to the police for investigation. Mr. Mahjoub also shared updates on social media, explaining that she had been facing intense mental and emotional pressures and is currently under medical and psychological care.
– He expressed concerns about protecting her family’s privacy, noting that she is a mother of two who recently separated from her husband. Mahjoub urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation, highlighting that her family’s well-being should be prioritized over sensationalized narratives.
In addition to these official statements, a classmate of the student spoke out on social media, confirming that there had been no confrontation with security. This classmate reported that the student had exhibited longstanding behavioral issues, frequently disrupting classmates both physically and verbally. Contrary to claims of a political protest, her actions were attributed to severe mental health challenges, rather than any ideological motivations.
Her husband also released a heartfelt video on Instagram, pleading for privacy and asking people not to circulate the video of his wife. He stated, “Please don’t forward her video. She has two kids. Don’t play with her name. I beg you don’t publish the video because of her children.” This message from her spouse further underlines the personal nature of the incident, contrasting sharply with the politicized narrative being promoted by some online sources.
Analysis of Video Evidence
Upon reviewing videos of the incident circulating online, several points stand out that further refute the claims of a protest or abuse:
– In the videos, it is evident that no physical altercation took place. The security personnel present are seen asking her to cover up in a non-confrontational manner, which is standard protocol in such situations.
– Students filming from a nearby classroom can be heard laughing, which suggests a lack of tension or violence in the scene.
– Additionally, in some clips, other female students are seen not covering their heads, which would contradict the claim that the woman’s act was a protest against the university’s dress code.
These videos offer clear visual evidence that discredits the assertions of a protest or any physical assault. The reactions from onlookers, along with the security personnel’s conduct, further support the university’s official stance that no violence or mistreatment occurred.
Conclusion
The reality of the situation at Tehran’s Islamic Azad University contrasts starkly with the narrative being circulated by various media outlets and organizations. The facts indicate that:
1. The student’s actions were not part of a political protest but rather stemmed from personal mental health issues.
2. No physical or verbal assault took place, and security followed proper procedures in handling the situation.
3. The misinformation surrounding this incident has caused unwarranted distress to the student’s family and has led to the further spread of damaging rumors.
4. Undressing in an academic setting and walking half-naked on campus goes against accepted academic norms and codes of conduct, not just in Iran but in most institutions worldwide. The university security’s actions in asking the student to dress appropriately or leave the premises align with standard protocols aimed at maintaining a respectful learning environment.
