Woman in Iran arrested for walking around in underwear to protest 'abusive' dress code enforcement

In an alleged act of protest against the country's strict dress code, a woman in Iran took to walking about a university in her underwear.

A post on X by Amnesty Iran read that she had done so after "abusive enforcement" of the dress code policy by security officials at Tehran's Islamic Azad University on Nov. 2.

Allegedly harassed by authorities

According to The Guardian, the woman had been confronted by members of the Basij paramilitary force who tore at her clothing.

Under Iranian law, any woman out in public must don a headscarf and loose clothes.

Following her alleged encounter with the officials, the woman then took off her clothes in an act of protest.

She was spotted walking about the crowded grounds of the university.

"Violently arrested"

Other videos taken of the incident reportedly showed the woman being forced into a car by a group of men and brought to an unknown location.

Student-run media outlet Amir Kabir shared on Nov. 3 that the woman had been "subjected to severe physical abuse" during the "abduction", which left blood stains on the vehicle.

The woman's current condition and whereabouts remain unknown, said the report.

University addressed "indecent act"

Iran’s conservative Fars News Agency later confirmed the incident, but provided a different account of it.

Fars mentioned that the guards were seen speaking "calmly" with the student who had worn "inappropriate clothes", telling her to comply with the dress code.

The university’s public relations director also came out to call the act "indecent".

He stated that the student had been taken to a police station.

The spokesperson went on to say that the woman "was under severe mental pressure" and had a "mental disorder".

Calls to protect the woman

In a follow-up post on Nov. 3, Amnesty Iran called for authorities to protect the woman from "torture and other ill-treatment".

They added that she should be granted access to her family and a lawyer.

"Allegations of beatings & sexual violence against her during arrest need independent & impartial investigations. Those responsible must held to account," the post read.

Pending her release, authorities must protect her from torture & other ill-treatment & ensure access to family & lawyer. Allegations of beatings & sexual violence against her during arrest need independent & impartial investigations. Those responsible must held to account. 2/2

— Amnesty Iran (@AmnestyIran) November 2, 2024

This is not the first time Iran has seen protests against its strict dress code.

In 2022, protestors were up in arms following the death of a 22-year-old woman Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for not wearing her headscarf correctly.

She later died in the custody of the morality police.

Top images via AmnestyIran/X