Title: Iranian Teenager in Coma Following Controversial Train Incident
An Iranian teenage girl, Armita Geravand, has been left in a coma after an incident on a train where she was allegedly seen without wearing a hijab. The incident, which took place on October 1, has sparked heated debate and raised concerns about the enforcement of Iran’s mandatory hijab requirement.
According to Tehran metro station television surveillance footage, Geravand boarded the train from Shohada station on her way to school with her hair uncovered. Minutes later, she was found unconscious and was subsequently rushed to the hospital where she has remained in a coma ever since. The exact events that unfolded within those few minutes on the train carriage remain unknown.
While Iranian authorities claim the incident was a result of a blood pressure issue that caused Geravand to fall and hit her head, activists have alleged that she may have been subjected to police violence for not wearing a hijab, as mandated by Iranian law. It is important to note that Iran had reinstated its morality police in July this year, tasked with enforcing Article 638 of the Islamic Penal Code, which requires women to wear hijab.
Human rights group Kurdish-Iranian Hengaw brought the incident to public attention, revealing that medical professionals informed Geravand’s parents that her brain was no longer functioning and there was no hope of recovery. The family and friends of Geravand claim to have faced threats from the authorities to suppress the truth about what happened in the train carriage on that fateful day.
This incident comes just two weeks after the first anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini, who passed away while in custody after being arrested for non-compliance with Iran’s mandatory hijab law. Amini’s tragic death sparked widespread protests known as the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. Activist groups are now linking Geravand’s case to Amini’s, labeling her another victim of forced hijab.
Concerns are growing among Iranian officials that Geravand’s incident may trigger a fresh wave of protests akin to the ones that followed Amini’s death. To prevent any potential unrest, the Fajr Air Force Hospital, where Geravand is being treated, has been placed under strict security measures. A reporter attempting to cover the story was even detained during a visit to the hospital.
Activists are now calling for an independent investigation into Geravand’s case by the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran, which was established following Amini’s death. The mission’s objective is to investigate alleged human rights violations related to protests, particularly focusing on women and children.
The outcome of this investigation could potentially shed light on the circumstances surrounding Geravand’s condition and provide insight into the accountability of those involved. While Iranian authorities maintain that the incident was an unfortunate medical episode, activists and international observers seek answers to ensure justice and protect individual rights.
The situation involving Armita Geravand strongly resonates within Iran and beyond, as the debate on personal freedom and state-mandated requirements intensifies. As the international community watches closely, the hope remains that transparency and the principles of human rights will prevail in this highly contentious issue.
