Roya Heshmati: A Beacon of Iranian Women’s Resistance

14-01-2024

Naira ElTonsy

Middle East and Human Rights Researcher

Global Human Rights Defence

Roya Heshmati, an Iranian-Kurdish woman, received the brutal sentence of 74 lashes for challenging the Islamic Republic’s mandatory hijab. [1] The Iranian Judiciary’s Mizan Online website bluntly stated that “The convicted, Roya Heshmati, encouraged permissiveness (by appearing) disgracefully in busy public places in Tehran” and “Her Penalty of 74 strokes of the lash was carried out in accordance with the law and with sharia, for violating public morals”, it added. [2] 

Heshmati stated on her now-locked social media account that the barbaric lashes were on her shoulders, face, legs, back, and buttocks in a dark room she described as a medieval torture chamber. [3] The courageous Roya Heshmati persevered following the lashes and asserted that as she entered the courtroom, she threw off her head scarf, despite their persistence on her wearing it. [4] Heshmati’s resistance has not just come to light following recent events, as she was detained at her home last April for sharing an unveiled image of herself on social media. [5] Her lawyer states that Heshmati had already been convicted for two distinct cases, with charges of “propaganda against the system,” “presence in public spaces without hijab,” “injury to public chastity,” “production of obscene content,” and “encouraging corruption.” [6]   

The incident has sparked the outrage of many on social media, as well as numerous praises for Heshmati’s courageous actions. Abbas Abdi, a political and social commentator, posted on X, “These lashes did not just come down on the body of one woman; they hit all those who dream of a lie with normal freedoms alongside each other. Enough is enough. Don’t disgust the society any more than this” [7]

Amnesty International has previously raised its concerns over the passing of a new bill by the Iranian Parliament that would impose harsher draconian penalties that are found to violate women’s and girls’ rights. [8] Such a bill increases penalties for women not adhering to the Islamic dress code, which includes the wearing of a hijab. This law was passed on September 20, 2023, and equates unveiling to nudity, rendering it a criminal offence that could be punished by prison, travel bans, and fines. [9] When the bill was passed, Diana ElTahawey, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, urged the international community and states to call on the Iranian authorities to revoke such a bill, as well as abolish all compulsory veiling laws. [10]  

Roya Heshmati’s ordeal serves as a distressing reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by women and girls in Iran, where the imposition of strict dress codes and the violation of fundamental rights persist. The harsh punishment of lashes for not wearing the hijab underscores a systemic disregard for women’s autonomy and freedom. It is imperative for the international community to unite in condemning such oppressive practices and advocate for the protection of women’s rights globally. The plight of individuals like Roya Heshmati underscores the urgency for diplomatic pressure and coordinated efforts to bring about meaningful change in Iran, pushing for a society that respects and upholds the rights of all its citizens, irrespective of gender. As the world strives for progress and equality, standing in solidarity with those who face injustice becomes not only a moral obligation but a collective responsibility toward a more just and inclusive future.

Sources and Further Reading

[1] Iran International, (2024, January 7), ‘Iranian Hijab Rebels Whipped, Given Jail Term’ <Iranian Hijab Rebels Whipped, Given Jail Term | Iran International> accessed 14 January 2024.

[2] IranWire, (2024, January 8), ‘Iranian Women Whipped got Not Wearing Hijab’ <Iranian Woman Whipped for Not Wearing Hijab> accessed 14 January 2024.

[3] Mailonline, (2024, January 8) ‘'I didn't let them think I was in pain': Brave Iranian woman describes being lashed 74 times in 'medieval torture chamber' for refusing to wear hijab - and how she tore off her headscarf in court after brutal punishmen’ <'I didn't let them think I was in pain': Brave Iranian woman describes being lashed 74 times in 'medieval torture chamber' for refusing to wear hijab - and how she tore off her headscarf in court after brutal punishment | Daily Mail Online> accessed 14 January 2024. 

[4] Ibid.

[5] VOA, (2024, January 7), ‘Iranian Authorities Lash Anti-Hijab Advocate for Not Wearing Head Covering’ <Iranian Authorities Lash Anti-Hijab Advocate for Not Wearing Head Covering> accessed 14 January 2024. 

[6] Ibid. 

[7] Iran International, (2024, January 8), ‘Flogging Woman For Defying Hijab Engages Iranians’ <Flogging Woman For Defying Hijab Enrages Iranians | Iran International> accessed 14 January 2024. 

[8] Amnesty International, (2023, September 21), ‘Iran: Compulsory veiling bill a despicable assault on rights of women and girls’ <Iran: Compulsory veiling bill a despicable assault on rights of women and girls> accessed 14 January 2024. 

[9] Ibid.  

[10] Ibid.