A woman in Iran was ‘violently’ arrested this Saturday (November 2) after stripping down to her underwear in protest of the country’s strict dress code. In a video that emerged online, the young woman can be seen walking through Tehran’s Islamic Azad University campus, where she is a student, using her body as a tool of protest.

The woman, who has been named in some reports as Ahoo Daryaei, is being described online as “brave and strong”, while others including X user @fightforpersia described the moment by writing “We are witnessing one of the most powerful revolutions in history”, though followed up by stating that they are “gravely concerned for her safety – her fate remains unknown”. Worryingly, Daryaei has not been seen since her arrest, with videos showing men dressed in regular clothes forcing her into a vehicle.

Though her whereabouts is currently unknown, Amnesty International has demanded the student’s immediate release, calling for authorities to “protect her from torture & other ill-treatment & ensure access to family & lawyer. Allegations of beatings and sexual violence against during arrest need independent & impartial investigations. Those responsible must be held to account”.

According to Iranian activist Masih Alinejad on X, Daryaei is said to have been protesting as a reaction to being “harassed by her university's morality police over her ‘improper’ hijab”. Though many voices online are praising Daryaei’s bravery, they are also increasingly concerned for her whereabouts and safety. Under the Iranian government’s Islamic dress code, it is mandatory for women to wear a headscarf. The law, which was passed in 2022, states that anyone who violates legislation could face up to ten years in prison, if the occurrence happens in “an organised way”. 

University spokesperson Amir Mahjob wrote on X that “at the police station… it was found that she was under severe mental pressure and had a mental disorder”. Continuing by stating that she had been transferred to a medical centre. Though Masih Alinejad has taken to X to question this mental health narrative, stating that: “This accusation of mental instability is a familiar tactic by the Islamic Republic.”

Alinejad continues by writing: ”I believe her life is now in serious danger. I urge international media, human rights organisations, and the international community to support her before it is too late. Let’s be her voice.”