In a tragic incident that has ignited widespread outrage, a 16-year-old Iranian girl named Armita Geravand has died after allegedly being assaulted by the morality police for not wearing a headscarf. The incident occurred at Shohada station in Tehran on October 1st. According to human rights organization Hengaw, Geravand suffered "severe injuries" during an altercation with the so-called morality police. Disturbing CCTV footage captured the incident, showing the young girl being dragged off a train.

Initial reports from the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network stated that Geravand was declared "brain dead." However, conflicting accounts have emerged, with Iranian officials claiming that a medical incident caused the teen's collapse and subsequent coma. On the other hand, Geravand's parents assert that she had a sudden drop in blood pressure, causing her to lose balance and hit her head against the metro doors. They vehemently deny allegations of any physical assault by the morality police.

In a video shared by state news agency IRNA, Geravand's parents spoke about the incident, stating that their daughter's injuries were a result of a medical issue rather than an assault. However, human rights groups argue that the statements made by the parents were potentially coerced under duress. Furthermore, Geravand's parents claim they have been prohibited from posting pictures of their daughter on social media or discussing the incident with human rights organizations.

The death of Armita Geravand has drawn comparisons to another tragic case that occurred in 2022. Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman, died while in the custody of Iran's morality police. Amini's family asserted that she was fatally beaten by the police after being arrested for incorrectly wearing her mandatory hijab head covering. Her death sparked nationwide protests, with young women leading the charge for basic rights under the slogan "Women, Life, Freedom."

Following Geravand's death, human rights groups are demanding an independent investigation into the incident. They are calling for the release of the CCTV footage from inside the train to shed light on the events leading up to her injuries. However, the Iranian government has cracked down on media coverage, detaining journalist Maryam Lotfi briefly after she attempted to report on Geravand's condition at Fajr Hospital.

The tragic deaths of Geravand and Amini have further fueled the ongoing debate surrounding Iran's strict dress code for women. The morality police enforce these regulations, which require women to cover their hair completely. Activists argue that these laws restrict individual freedom and violate women's rights. In response to the public outcry following Amini's death, Iran pledged to impose tougher punishments on those who violate the headscarf rule.

The deaths of Armita Geravand and Mahsa Amini have brought attention to the plight of Iranian women and their fight for basic rights. As the international community continues to monitor the situation, the demand for justice and change grows louder.