Iranian Woman Whipped for Defying Hijab Mandate Sparks
The flogging of Roya Heshmati in Iran for refusing to wear a hijab has ignited international shock and condemnation.
Heshmati, initially sentenced to 13 years in prison, 112,500,000 rials fine, and 148 lashes, saw the penalty reduced to 12,500,000 rials and 74 lashes upon review.
Heshmati, detained by morality police in April, shared her ordeal on Instagram, recounting her defiance at court and subsequent brutal punishment.
She described being shackled in a medieval-like torture chamber and whipped on multiple body parts.
The 23-year-old, undeterred, whispered words of resistance during the lashings. She later faced a judge who suggested she leave the country if she desired a different life.
Heshmati defiantly removed her headscarf upon leaving the court, emphasizing her commitment to resistance.
Iran’s Mizan News Agency, linked to the judiciary, claimed Heshmati engaged in “behaviours outside the norm” and was in an “inappropriate condition” on Tehran’s streets.
The latter likely refers to an image of her without a headscarf, wearing a short-sleeved T-shirt and a long skirt.
The news triggered widespread condemnation, with figures like Zahra Rahnavard expressing disgust at the authorities’ actions. Rahnavard, under house arrest since 2010, stated, “You lash Roya Heshmati, but with her awakened conscience and resilience, she laughs at you. I am disgusted with your governance.”
In response to the escalating reactions, Heshmati expressed gratitude for the solidarity shown but announced her voluntary deactivation of Facebook and Instagram to avoid controversy.
She clarified her non-public figure status, emphasizing her story was initially shared privately on her page.
As outrage grows over the violent enforcement of hijab laws in Iran, international voices continue to condemn the actions of the Islamic Republic’s authorities.
The story of Roya Heshmati has become a focal point for discussions on human rights and the right to personal freedom, amplifying the ongoing resistance against oppressive measures.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The euro news
