Video Showing Arrest of Anti-Forced Hijab Activist Sparks Public Anger

A media outlet affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has published a video capturing the moment when a woman known for her opposition to mandatory headscarf rules was arrested.

In the video published by Saberin News on July 19, several individuals in uniforms can be seen apprehending Leila Ziafar in her home in Tehran.

The release of the footage sparked angry reactions and disgust among Iranians. 

Prior to the incident, Ziafar posted a tweet with a picture of herself without a hijab and the message: "It is impossible to turn back from the path we have taken. We sacrificed martyrs to remove this hijab and oppression. We will not allow the blood of our martyrs to be disregarded." 

There is no information about Ziafar's whereabouts or the specific agency responsible for her arrest. 

Ziafar holds a doctorate in food science and is a recognized teacher of expression. 

She stepped down as a radio presenter following the November 2019 protests sparked by a government's decision to raise gas prices.

In an act of defiance against the ideology and laws of the Islamic Republic, a growing number of women have appeared in public without hijab since nationwide protests erupted in September last year.

Some defiant women were arrested, summoned by the authorities and faced legal cases, while hundreds of small businesses and shopping malls were shut down for allegedly failing to enforce hijab rules on their customers. 

Taxi drivers have been fined for transporting women without headscarves, while police and volunteers have issued warnings in subways, airports and other public places.

«آنکه بر در می‌کوبد شباهنگام⁰به کشتن چراغ آمده است…»

فیلمی که‌کانال‌های امنیتی به قصد ارعاب، از بازداشت دکتر #لیلا_ضیافر منتشر کرده‌اند.

اقلیتی که اکثریت را به گروگان گرفته، شبانه شهروندربایی می‌کند و رجز می‌خواند.

«این عوعو سگان شما نیز بگذرد…» pic.twitter.com/ZRQCfsUYjt

— morteza kazemian (@morkazemian) July 19, 2023