A young Iranian woman who was arrested on Wednesday in Tehran by the police in charge of enforcing the use of the veil, died on Friday, official television announced.
Mahsa Amini, 22, was visiting Tehran with her family when she was arrested on Wednesday by the special police unit responsible for enforcing strict dress rules for women, including the requirement to cover their hair with a headscarf.
Tehran police said Thursday that Mahsa Amini had been arrested along with other women for “instructions” on dress rules.
“She suddenly had a heart problem … she was immediately taken to hospital,” he said. “She unfortunately died and her body has been transferred to the forensic institute,” she said on state television on Friday.
An open investigation
It was not immediately clear what happened between the girl’s arrival at the police station and her departure for the hospital.
Before the announcement of the death, the Iranian presidency had indicated in a statement that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi had instructed the Interior Minister to investigate the case.
The country’s judicial authority had also announced through its Mizan Online news agency the formation of a special group to open an investigation.
After the Islamic Revolution of 1979, all women, regardless of their nationality or religious beliefs, are required by law to wear a veil that covers the head and neck while concealing the hair.
Source: BFM TV
