A 16-year-old Iranian girl, Armita Geravand, has passed away after sustaining a severe injury during an incident at a Tehran metro station. Conflicting reports have emerged from the Iranian government and activists regarding the details of the incident. Geravand died after spending 28 days in the ICU of a hospital in the capital city, according to state media.
The incident occurred on October 1 when Geravand, who was not wearing the mandatory headscarf required by Iranian law, entered the Shohada metro station. CCTV footage released by Iranian authorities showed her entering the station, visiting a small shop, and then entering a metro car with two school friends. Another video clip from outside the metro car reportedly shows one of her friends suddenly backing away upon entering, seemingly indicating that someone had fallen. Geravand was then seen being carried out of the car unconscious. Authorities stated that there were no cameras present inside the metro car.
Foreign-based human rights organizations and activists have claimed that Geravand was harassed by government agents due to her hijab’s absence. However, the government has refuted this allegation and asserted that she fell and hit her head due to low blood pressure. State media released an interview with Geravand’s parents confirming that she fell, and no physical altercation took place. Activists suspect that the video was filmed under duress, which the government has denied in the past.
A report by a foreign-based rights group alleged that Geravand’s mother was arrested, but the Iranian judiciary has denied this claim. This incident follows the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old who died in police custody after being arrested for not adhering to mandatory hijab rules. Amini’s death triggered protests across Iran, lasting for several months and becoming violent.
Amnesty International has called on the Iranian government to permit an independent investigation into Geravand’s death, including involvement from the UN mission. However, Iran has refused to cooperate with the UN mission, considering it politically motivated to exert pressure on Tehran. The country is currently reviewing a new hijab law that will introduce stricter penalties for individuals who do not comply with mandatory hijab requirements.