Iran's Police Chief Does Not Condemn the Arrest of Two 14-Year-Old Girls

Ahmadreza Radan, the commander of the police force, reacted to the video of the arrest of two 14-year-old girls by the 'Guidance Patrol,' stating that he did not find this behavior inappropriate, only mentioning that 'the girls' behavior was bad and the police's behavior was somewhat unprofessional.' While the commander of the Islamic Republic's police considered the officers' actions 'somewhat unprofessional,' Maryam Abbasi, the mother of one of the girls, stated that 'her daughter and her friend' were 'attacked and beaten' by government agents implementing the plan known as 'Noor' on July 1st in a street in Tehran, and during the altercation and arrest, 'one of the girls' head hit an electric pole,' and the violence continued inside the van. According to reports, the release of a video showing government agents confronting the two 14-year-old girls due to their optional dress sparked a wave of reactions among opponents of the Islamic Republic and even supporters of the government on August 7th. In this context, the Tehran police's information center also reacted to the video on August 8th, stating that they did not deny the video but claimed it was from 'the past' and 'dated back to July 1st of this year.' The military prosecutor of Tehran province also responded to the video, stating that a report and complaint had recently been submitted to the military prosecutor's office, and investigations were immediately initiated. In reaction to the actions of the government agents, several opponents of the Islamic Republic on social media labeled the 'Noor' plan as a 'plan of darkness' and emphasized the need to overcome this darkness. This incident occurred while Masoud Pezeshkian, currently appointed as the head of the 14th government, had previously stated during the competition with five other candidates selected by the Guardian Council for the presidency: 'I guarantee that the entire government will stand against compulsory patrols, filtering, and external pressures in all meetings and will stand firm.' Despite Pezeshkian's claims, a week after the release of the video, there has been no response regarding this issue, and those close to him have not made any specific statements. Radan's reaction to the violent treatment of the teenage girls: they were insulted, and the police's behavior was somewhat unprofessional. The military prosecutor of Tehran stated in response to the video of the violent treatment of the girls under the pretext of hijab that 'the present officers' have been summoned. Reactions to the video of the violent treatment of the girls due to optional dress: the police stated, 'It is related to the past'; a media outlet called for the dismissal of the Minister of Interior. The aftermath of the video showing the violent treatment of the teenage girls due to optional dress has also raised voices among Pezeshkian's supporters. The threats against women continue despite widespread protests; the police stated that the 'Noor' plan will continue with strength.