Arezou Badri, a 31-year-old mother of two, was shot by Iranian security forces due to non-compliance with mandatory hijab. She is currently in critical condition at Valiasr Hospital in Tehran, where she recently underwent a second surgery on Thursday, August 15, 2024, to address pleural effusion.
Incident Details
On the night of July 22, Arezou Badri and her friend were traveling from Nur to Babolsar when the police, using a loudspeaker, ordered them to stop. The car was targeted for impoundment because of alleged hijab violations.
Ignoring the police’s warnings, Arezou Badri continued driving, prompting the officers to shoot at the car. Initially, they fired at the tire, and then at the door, with a bullet striking Badri in the back and causing severe injuries. Evidence suggests that she was shot from the side, which indicates a possible violation of regulations concerning the use of firearms by the police.
Following the shooting, Arezou Badri sustained critical injuries affecting her lower body and respiratory system. During her initial surgery at Sari Hospital, required due to the bullet wound, she lost the ability to move her lower body. Her condition has since worsened.
At the Valiasr Hospital in Tehran, after removing the bullet from her lower back, which had caused serious spinal injury, she required another surgery to drain fluid accumulated in her lungs.
Medical professionals have indicated that it could take months to determine if she will permanently lose her ability to walk.
Arezou Badri’s Family under Security Pressure
Badri’s family is under intense pressure from security agencies. They are being forced to support the government-mandated narratives and are barred from sharing details about her condition. Family visits are restricted to a few minutes, and their mobile phones are confiscated during these meetings.
Last year, a similar pattern was observed in the case of Armita Geravand, a 17-year-old who died after being injured by Hijab Patrols in a Tehran Metro Station. The regime’s efforts to control information and suppress public outrage reflect its fear of another widespread uprising akin to the protests in 2022.
International Response
Amnesty International has condemned the incident, calling for a thorough investigation and accountability for Iranian officials. The organization has highlighted the urgent need to abolish mandatory hijab laws and address the impunity that protects responsible authorities in Iran.
Arezou Badri’s case underscores the severe issues with the enforcement of mandatory hijab regulations and the harsh methods used by security forces. The stringent security measures imposed on her family and the restrictions on information dissemination are deeply troubling.
