In a shocking incident in Tehran, a 16-year-old Iranian girl named Armita Garawand has been left in a coma after an alleged assault on the subway. The incident occurred during a run-in with female morality police officers on the Tehran metro, according to human rights group Hengaw. Garawand is currently being treated under heavy security at Tehran's Fajr hospital, where no visits are allowed, not even from her family. The Iranian authorities have denied the claim, stating that the girl fainted due to low blood pressure and that there was no involvement of the security forces.

Armita Geravand, a 16-year-old teenage girl who was beaten by the Iranian police in the Tehran subway, and is in a coma#ArmitaGeravand pic.twitter.com/VH21oWZH5i

— آستاره لُر (@ASTARE_L_P) October 3, 2023

However, this denial has been met with skepticism, especially considering the current social tension in Iran, particularly after the death of Mahsa Amini last year. Amini's death, which was caused by alleged violations of strict dress rules for women, sparked widespread protests and a subsequent crackdown that led to numerous arrests and deaths. Garawand's case has gained significant attention on social media, with a purported video circulating that shows her being pushed into the metro by female police agents. This incident highlights the ongoing struggles faced by women in Iran, particularly those who defy the Islamic Republic's strict dress rules, including the mandatory hijab.

The situation has been further exacerbated by the detention of journalist Maryam Lotfi, who attempted to visit the hospital but was immediately apprehended. Although she was eventually released, this incident raises concerns about freedom of the press and the right to information in Iran. Masood Dorosti, the managing director of the Tehran subway system, has denied any verbal or physical conflict between Garawand and passengers or metro executives. However, the IranWire news site, based outside of Iran, cited a source claiming that she sustained a head injury after being pushed by the officers.

The renewed push by Iranian authorities to crack down on women defying the dress rules, including the forced-veiling police patrols, has raised concerns among human rights organizations. The Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) has reported increased violence, arbitrary arrests, and heightened discrimination against women and girls. Garawand's case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by women in Iran and the need for continued attention and support to protect their rights and ensure their safety. The international community must condemn such incidents and exert pressure on the Iranian government to uphold human rights standards.