The tragic death of Armita Geravand, a 16-year-old Iranian girl who fell into a coma after an alleged altercation with morality police, highlights the ongoing issue of forced hijab in Iran and the need for independent investigation into her death.

In a shocking incident that has sparked outrage and protests, Armita Geravand, a teenage girl from Iran, has tragically passed away after falling into a coma following an alleged altercation with morality police. Activists have accused the morality police of assaulting her for not wearing a hijab, while authorities claim she fainted. State media and activists have confirmed her death, stating that she suffered from brain damage.

Armita’s death has drawn attention to the issue of forced hijab in Iran, with many Iranians drawing parallels to the case of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died in custody after being detained by morality police for allegedly wearing her hijab “improperly.” The death of Amini sparked widespread anti-government protests, resulting in a violent crackdown by security forces.

The circumstances surrounding Armita’s collapse are still under investigation. According to reports, she hit the back of her head against the edge of the platform at Tehran’s Shohada station. However, human rights group Hengaw alleges that Armita fell into a coma after an assault by special officers enforcing compulsory hijab. The managing director of the Tehran metro has denied any verbal or physical conflict between Armita and other passengers or metro executives.

CCTV footage released by Iranian authorities shows Armita boarding a train with two other girls, with her hair uncovered. Moments later, one of the girls backs out of the train and bends down. Several passengers are then seen carrying an unconscious Armita and laying her down on the platform. However, no footage from inside the train or the entrance to the station has been released.

Armita’s death highlights the urgent need for an independent investigation into her case. Human rights group Hengaw has called for an independent medical team from Médecins Sans Frontières and the International Committee of the Red Cross to investigate her death, as they believe the government has attempted to distort the narrative surrounding her death.

This tragic incident underscores the ongoing issue of forced hijab in Iran and the need for greater protection of individual freedoms. The death of Armita Geravand should serve as a wake-up call for the international community to address human rights abuses and hold accountable those responsible for such tragedies.