PARIS: Western governments and human rights groups have expressed deep concern following reports of an alleged assault on a teenager by Iranian security forces, leaving her in a coma. The incident occurred on the Tehran metro, just over a year after the death of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for allegedly violating strict dress rules for women.
Armita Garawand, a 16-year-old, was reportedly attacked by female police officers, as claimed by the Kurdish-focused rights group Hengaw. However, Iranian authorities have denied any involvement of security forces, attributing her condition to fainting due to low blood pressure.
This incident has raised alarm, especially since it happened around the anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death, which previously led to significant social unrest and a government crackdown. Western leaders, including Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and the acting US special envoy on Iran, Abram Paley, have voiced their concern and condemned the incident.
Social media has been abuzz with discussions about the case, with some sharing a video purportedly showing Garawand being pushed into the metro by police agents and then being pulled out motionless.
The Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights has called for an independent international investigation into the incident, accusing Tehran of distorting facts and concealing evidence of their actions. They pointed out that Iran continues to suppress women under the pretext of enforcing mandatory hijab rules.
Garawand is currently receiving medical treatment under tight security at Tehran’s Fajr hospital. Her parents were interviewed by Iranian state media at the hospital under pressure and in the presence of security officers, according to Hengaw.
The situation has sparked outrage among activists and concerned individuals who demand justice and transparency in investigating the incident and ensuring the rights and well-being of Garawand and her family.
