In a deeply distressing turn of events, Arezoo Badri, a 31-year-old woman from the Iranian city of Noor, has been left paraplegic after a police shooting related to Iran's strict hijab law. The incident unfolded on July 22 when Badri was driving with her sister. According to BBC reports, the police attempted to pull over Badri’s car. When she didn't stop, they opened fire, with one bullet striking her in the lungs and severely damaging her spine. The bullet wasn’t removed until ten days later, following her transfer between hospitals in Noor, Sari, and finally Tehran.
This tragic event echoes the recent turmoil in Iran, coming roughly a year and a half after the death of Mahsa Amini. Amini was detained by Iran's morality police for allegedly not wearing her hijab correctly. Her death in custody sparked nationwide protests, demanding not just changes to the hijab laws but a broader reform of the Islamic regime. These protests garnered global attention and criticism, even drawing comments from Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran's hijab law, enforced since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, mandates strict dress codes for women. Those who do not adhere face severe consequences, including arrest. The Iranian government's response to protests, particularly after Amini’s death, has been notably harsh, with reports of increased violence and crackdowns on dissent.
Though the Iranian government briefly disbanded the morality police following the protests, the force was reinstated under different names as the frequency of demonstrations decreased. The enforcement of the hijab law remains a contentious issue, highlighting ongoing human rights concerns within the country.
Tags:
Global News