Interviewer: What inspired you to share that photo of yourself without a hijab on social media?
Alef: The protests going on really motivated me. I wanted to show my support against the mandatory hijab. For me, it was a straightforward act of resistance. I aimed to send the message: “we exist.”
Interviewer: What was the outcome after you shared that image?
Alef: Unfortunately, the authorities noticed my post. They were cracking down on anyone associated with the protests, and I was arrested shortly thereafter.
Interviewer: Can you tell me about your experience during your arrest and what happened afterward?
Alef: I was blindfolded and handcuffed, then taken to an undisclosed location where I spent nearly two weeks in solitary confinement. During that time, I was interrogated multiple times.
Interviewer: What type of treatment did you experience during those interrogations?
Alef: In one session, they attempted to coerce me into confessing. They seized my phone and scoured through my social media, looking for any evidence of my involvement in the protests. They even accused me of being an agent for the U.S.
Interviewer: What charges did they file against you?
Alef: I faced several charges, including “appearing in public without a hijab” and “promoting corruption and fornication.” I was found guilty, and while I received a suspended sentence, I was also sentenced to 50 lashes.
Interviewer: That sounds extremely severe. Could you explain what that punishment involved?
Alef: A male officer instructed me to remove my coat and lie down. He had a black leather whip and struck me all over my body. It was incredibly painful, but I refused to show any sign of weakness.
Interviewer: It seems like your experience isn’t isolated. Did others in similar situations share their experiences with you?
Alef: Yes, I spoke with two other women and one man who had gone through similar situations. They were also detained and faced charges for “propaganda against the state,” receiving suspended prison sentences. My case was a bit more severe, as I faced both a suspended sentence and lashes.
Interviewer: Since the protests began in 2022, how do you view the collective defiance of Iranian women against the hijab law?
Alef: Many Iranian women have courageously resisted the mandatory hijab as part of the Woman Life Freedom movement. Their bravery has inspired countless individuals, including myself.
