Killing of Armita Geravand

In Iran, women are required by law to cover their hair and wear loose fitting clothes as part of strict Islamic dress codes.[5] Those who violate these rules face public rebuke, fines, or arrest by the Islamic religious police, also known as morality police.[6] In September 2022, 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died in custody of the morality police after being arrested for allegedly not wearing her headscarf properly.[7] Amini's death sparked nationwide protests in Iran, which became known as the "Mahsa movement."[4] In response, the regime has cracked down on activism and tightened hijab laws.[7]

On October 1, 2023, 16-year-old Armita Geravand was seen going into the Tehran Metro with two friends. She was later dragged out of a train, unconscious, and taken to a hospital.[2] According to the Norway-based human rights group Hengaw and to her two friends, Geravand was confronted by morality police officers for not wearing a headscarf and, after a brief altercation, she was assaulted and fell, causing her to hit her head and lose consciousness.[8][7] She was admitted into the hospital with "severe brain injuries".[9] Iranian authorities have denied any physical confrontation took place and claim she fainted due to low blood pressure.[3]

Security camera footage from the metro station shows Geravand entering the train without a headscarf along with two other girls. Moments later, she is carried off the train unconscious by her friends.[3] Iran's state media claims this footage proves their narrative, but does not show the events inside the train car leading up to Geravand's coma.[7]

The hospital where Geravand was taken to was surrounded by security forces, who have reportedly threatened her family and friends.[10][7] A journalist who tried to investigate Geravand's condition was briefly detained.[7] Iran's government has dismissed international criticism, calling it "interventionist."[11] Officials maintain Geravand simply fainted and suffered an accidental injury.[3]

On October 22, Iran's state media announced Geravand was declared brain dead after being in a coma for several weeks.[4] The case has drawn international criticism and calls for an independent investigation into the cause of her condition.[6][7]