Women in Iran have had their online activity spied on by authorities following nationwide protests over mandatory hijab rules in 2022.
One woman, Alef, posted a photo without her hijab on social media in solidarity with the protests. She was arrested, interrogated, and sentenced to 50 lashes for charges like “appearing in public without a hijab.”
Others interviewed faced similar treatment – arrest, interrogation scanning their social media, and suspended prison sentences – for “propaganda against the state.”
Detainees described poor conditions in Evin Prison, with limited access to toilets and showers.
Another woman, Kosar, was shot in the eye and genitals by security forces. Her social media evidence was used against her at her trial where she received a 4 year sentence.
Iranian authorities have increased surveillance and banned apps like Instagram to crack down on the protest movement spreading online. An app called “Nazer” allows citizens to report women without hijabs.
Two years on, Mahsa Amini’s death continues to inspire digital resistance among women in Iran, despite the regime’s crackdown and monitoring of online activity.
Source: BBC News
