Amnesty International Expresses Concern Over Transfer of Sea Deer to Psychiatric Hospital

On Tuesday, November 6, Amnesty International criticized the transfer of a student known as "Sea Deer" or "Daughter of Science and Research," who protested the government's repression of women by removing her hijab and becoming partially undressed, to a "psychiatric hospital." The organization described reports from Iranian state media regarding the student's transfer to a psychiatric facility as "very concerning" on its social media account on "X." The whereabouts of this student have not been disclosed. In this regard, Fatemeh Mohajerani, spokesperson for the government of Masoud Pezeshkian, only stated on Tuesday that she has been transferred to "centers for treatment." The lack of information about the student's condition has raised widespread concern among social media users both in Iran and abroad. They have expressed worries about her being pressured for forced confessions, referencing past incidents in recent years. Amnesty International's statement noted that it has previously documented cases where Iranian authorities equate non-compliance with the mandatory hijab with "mental disorders" that require "treatment." In another statement released on Saturday, November 4, the organization called for the unconditional release of this Iranian student who protested the "improper and violent" enforcement of the mandatory hijab law by security agents of the Islamic Azad University. Amnesty International emphasized that Iranian authorities must protect this student from torture and other ill-treatment and ensure her access to family and legal counsel. The organization also called for an "independent and impartial" investigation into allegations of assault and sexual violence against her during her detention. Reports indicated that following a violent confrontation with security forces at the Science and Research Faculty of Islamic Azad University in Tehran on November 4, a young female student removed her shirt and pants and was subsequently arrested while wearing only her underwear, suffering "beating" at the hands of government plainclothes forces. The name of this protesting young woman has been mentioned as Sea Deer in subsequent reports. Following the arrest of this female student, various media outlets around the world, along with unions, political parties, and figures from other countries, especially in France, covered the incident or supported the struggle of Iranian women for freedom. Government spokesperson: Sea Deer is not arrested; she is "in the stage of treatment." Global reaction to "protest nudity": the courage to stand against repression. Narges Mohammadi regarding "Sea Deer": women do not bow to oppression. The incident of "Daughter of Science and Research": from speculations about her name to transfer to a psychiatric hospital.