Ahoo Daryaei

Cover of Elle, 14 November 2024

The Science and Research Girl[1] — possibly named Ahoo Daryaei (Persian: آهو دریایی, romanized: Āhū Daryāyī, pronounced [ɒːˈhuː dæɾjɒːˈjiː])—is a 30-year-old Iranian doctoral student in French literature at Tehran's Islamic Azad University.[2] After reportedly being confronted and harassed by Basij paramilitary forces over Iran's compulsory hijab laws, with her clothing allegedly torn during the encounter, she responded in protest by removing her clothes and sitting partially undressed in the university courtyard on November 2, 2024. This defiant act transformed her into a symbol of resistance.

Following her protest, The Science and Research Girl has been detained by the Iranian state, leading to her forced disappearance from public view. Her whereabouts and condition remain uncertain, and some reports indicate she may be held in a psychiatric facility, raising international concern over her treatment.

Her bold action on November 2, 2024, has turned her into a symbol of resistance against Iran's strict dress code laws and the enforcement of the compulsory hijab, especially two years after the death of Mahsa Amini. Her protest and subsequent arrest have drawn international attention, with human rights organizations calling for her release.[3] As of November 2024, she remains detained.[4]

  1. ^ "The story of "The Science and Research Girl": from speculation about her name to transfer to a psychiatric hospital". Voice of America (in Persian). 3 November 2024. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
  2. ^ "Servas Women on Ahou Daryaei- Say Her Name". Servas International. 6 November 2024. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
  3. ^ Malekian, Somayeh; Reinstein, Julia (3 November 2024). "Iran detains woman who stripped to her underwear at university in apparent protest". ABC News. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
  4. ^ "Amnesty demands release of Ahoo Daryaei, who was 'violently arrested' after stripping off to protest strict Islamic dress code, reports say". Sky News. 4 November 2024. Retrieved 6 November 2024.