Iran Denies Arrest of Mother in Hijab Clash That Left Teen Girl Comatose
Iran’s judiciary has slammed reports that security forces arrested the mother of 16-year-old Armita Geravand. The teenager remains in a coma after a reported clash over the country’s strict hijab laws.
Rights group Hengaw claimed that Shahin Ahmadi, Armita’s mother, was detained near the hospital where her daughter is being treated. But Iranian officials quickly denied the allegations.
Judiciary Calls Arrest Claims ‘Enemy Rumours’
Iran’s state news agency IRNA posted on X that the reports were false and spread by “unidentified enemies” seeking to stir unrest. The judiciary insisted Ahmadi was not arrested and dismissed the accusations as baseless.
Hijab Law Controversy Sparks New Outcry
Armita’s collapse reportedly happened after a confrontation on Tehran’s metro over the hijab, following Iran’s tough new dress code law. The law, which threatens penalties for women defying the hijab rules, has sparked international concern, including from UN rights officials.
Two human rights activists said Armita fell into a coma during the altercation. But Tehran Metro officials denied any conflict, claiming CCTV footage shows no sign of a struggle.
Calls Grow for Full Video as Tensions Resemble Mahsa Amini Case
The case echoes last year’s deadly incident involving 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died in morality police custody and triggered mass protests and a brutal government crackdown.
Public anger is rising again on social media, with demands for the release of all video footage from inside the metro car. Human rights lawyer Gissou Nia warned Armita’s plight highlights the harsh consequences of the hijab law.
IRNA released CCTV footage showing Armita without a hijab, accompanied by two female friends. The video captures a moment when a girl suddenly collapses and is carried out by passengers.
Armita’s parents appeared in a government-posted video saying their daughter fainted due to low blood pressure and hit her head on the train. Rights groups allege the statement was coerced.
