• She removed in clothes in an apparent protest to the strict rules Iranian women face
• She was forced into a car by officers
• The uni says she suffered a “mental disorder”
• Human rights activists are calling for her release

Iran urged to release woman detained for taking off clothes at university

Human rights activists are calling for the release of a woman detained in Tehran after she removed her clothes in an apparent protest at a university. A video shared on social media showed the woman sitting in her underwear on the steps at the Science and Research Branch of Islamic Azad University before calmly walking away. In another clip, she is seen removing more clothing before being forced into a car by plainclothes agents.

The university claimed the woman had a “mental disorder” and was taken to a psychiatric hospital, but many Iranians expressed scepticism online. They viewed her actions as part of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement, which challenges the strict hijab laws requiring women to cover their hair and wear loose clothing.

This protest comes amid ongoing tension since nationwide demonstrations erupted two years ago, following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody after being arrested for not wearing her hijab “properly.” Reports suggest the detained woman had argued with security over not wearing a headscarf before undressing during the confrontation.