Thousands in Spain Call for Freedom of Mother and Daughter Protesting Mandatory Hijab in Iran

The Amnesty International office in Spain, through issuing a call to action, has urged immediate measures regarding the release of Yasmin Aryani and Monirah Arabshahi, a mother and daughter who are imprisoned in Iran for protesting mandatory hijab.

According to Amnesty International, more than 34,000 activists and Spanish citizens have so far signed this petition, demanding that Iranian authorities stop the suppression and harassment of women in Iran.

These individuals, by signing the petition, have also called on Iranian authorities to release Yasmin Aryani and Monirah Arabshahi.

In part of this call to action, referring to the fact that women have the right to decide what to wear without fear of harassment, assault, threats, or imprisonment, it states that in recent years a movement has begun protesting mandatory hijab in Iran, where women, girls, and some men are defending freedom of dress in Iran.

Previously, Amnesty International issued a letter addressed to Ebrahim Raisi, the head of the judiciary of the Islamic Republic, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of three civil activists opposed to mandatory hijab: “Monirah Arabshahi,” “Yasmin Aryani,” and “Mezhgan Keshavarz.”

It is said that the reason for the arrest of Mezhgan Keshavarz, Monirah Arabshahi, and Yasmin Aryani was distributing flowers in the women’s car of Tehran Metro and protesting mandatory hijab on International Women’s Day (March 8), and they have been charged with “assembly and conspiracy against national security,” “propaganda against the system,” and “promotion and encouragement of moral corruption through promoting going without hijab.”

Furthermore, Yasmin Aryani has also been charged with “insulting sacred values,” and Monirah Arabshahi’s support for workers has been considered a criminal act.

Based on news published on social media, in Mordad of this year, Judge Mogaddas Mesghees, head of Branch 28 of the Islamic Revolutionary Court, sentenced these three imprisoned civil activists in Qarchak Varamin Prison to a total of 55 years and six months imprisonment, and if this sentence becomes final, the severest punishment will be enforceable.

Last Esfand, Mike Pompeo, the US Secretary of State, at the ceremony of presenting the “Courage Award for Women” at the US State Department, praised the efforts of Iranian women in fighting mandatory hijab.

Source: Voice of America