In a tragic turn of events, a teenage girl from Iran has been declared brain dead after allegedly being involved in an altercation with morality police. Armita Geravand, 16, fell into a coma after boarding a Tehran metro train on October 1st. Activists claim that she was assaulted by the morality police for not wearing a hijab, while authorities maintain that she fainted. The true cause of her collapse remains unclear, as there has been no immediate confirmation from her parents or activists.
The incident has sparked outrage among many Iranians, who have drawn parallels with the case of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died in custody in September 2022 after being detained by morality police for allegedly wearing her hijab “improperly”. Witnesses stated that Amini was beaten by officers, although authorities attributed her death to pre-existing medical conditions. Amini’s death led to widespread anti-government protests across the country, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of detentions in a violent crackdown by security forces.
CCTV footage released by Iranian authorities shows Armita Geravand boarding the train with two other girls, her hair uncovered. Moments later, one of the girls backs out of the train and bends down, and several passengers are seen carrying an unconscious Armita by her arms and legs before laying her down on the platform. However, no footage from inside the train or the entrance to the station has been made available. Human rights group Hengaw, which focuses on Iran’s Kurdish ethnic minority, alleges that Armita was physically attacked by authorities due to non-compliance with the compulsory hijab law, resulting in severe injuries.
The Tehran metro’s managing director denied any conflict between Armita and passengers or metro executives, whether verbal or physical. Nevertheless, Hengaw shared a photo on social media, claiming it to be Armita lying unconscious in the hospital with a bandaged head and attached to a breathing tube. Recently, state broadcaster IRINN reported that the latest health updates indicate Armita’s condition as brain dead, despite efforts by the medical staff to save her.
This distressing incident has further escalated with the Revolutionary Court handing lengthy prison terms to two female journalists who reported on the death of Mahsa Amini last year. Niloufar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi were sentenced to seven and six years in prison respectively. They were convicted of “collaborating with the hostile American government” and “colluding against national security”, charges the women vehemently denied, emphasizing that they were simply doing their jobs.
Amidst the outrage and unrest caused by these events, it is crucial to address the impact and precautions surrounding this news. The following aspects should be considered:
1. Human Rights Concerns: The alleged assault on Armita Geravand by morality police highlights the ongoing human rights concerns in Iran. The treatment of women who choose not to wear the hijab and the suppression of press freedom underline the need for international attention and pressure on the Iranian government to safeguard human rights.
2. Protests and Security Crackdown: The death of Mahsa Amini and now the incident involving Armita Geravand have ignited widespread anti-government protests in Iran. These protests, met with a violent crackdown by security forces, have resulted in numerous casualties and detentions. Continued monitoring of the situation is required to ensure the safety and well-being of those involved.
3. Media Freedom and Journalist Safety: The sentencing of journalists Niloufar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi is a stark reminder of the risks faced by journalists in Iran. Press freedom is under attack, and journalists face severe consequences for reporting on sensitive issues. Advocacy for the protection of journalists and the promotion of press freedom must be prioritized.
4. International Diplomatic Pressure: The international community should use this incident to engage with Iran and urge the government to address human rights abuses. Diplomatic pressure, including sanctions and condemnations, can hold Iran accountable for its actions and encourage the protection of civil liberties.
In conclusion, the tragic situation surrounding Armita Geravand’s brain death after an alleged altercation with morality police highlights the ongoing human rights concerns in Iran. The incident, coupled with the sentencing of journalists reporting on a similar case, calls for increased international attention, support for press freedom, and diplomatic pressure on the Iranian government to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.
