I meant to write about this when it happened, but it is well worth exploring a bit as she may yet see justice. This post on X explores a bit and is well worth reading. In fact, in defiance of short opening paragraphs (rules exist to be broken), here is an earlier post, along with two other good posts here and here.
There are various icons/cartoons/artworks of her in her underwear out there, but I will not link them. I think the intent was well meant, but in my opinion they sanitize the situation and reduce her to a simplistic caricature that demeans her and diminishes her act of defiance.
First, understand the term “morality police” implies that there is a unified office under which all operate. That is not the case, as there are a variety of morality police forces and they are in effect the enforcement arm of the government. There are district morality police, school morality police, neighborhood morality police, etc. Even the most minor of infractions, such as a bit of hair showing under a covering will get you attacked and beaten. You can’t escape from them, if you fight back you and your family will be targeted.
If they arrest you, what awaits is quite often rape, torture, and death. Most are beaten to death, but if there has been resistance or other to raise the stakes, they can be hung. Keep in mind that rape is a tool, and one mandated years ago by the Ayatollah who decreed that female prisoners of any age were to be raped before execution so they would go to hell and not to heaven. No joke. If you want to learn the horrors that await those who defy these animals, there is plenty out there for you to look up. No, not linking as this is something you need to look up and see for yourself, so that it can’t be dismissed as mere propaganda.
Which brings us back to this young lady, Ahoo Dariyaei. Watch the video. She was attacked, fought back, and then they were surprised. Look at her face, at the anger there, as she raised the stakes on them. Then watch her as she realizes where she is at in terms of choices. You see the anger, the fear, and then the determination. She very clearly knows what awaits (rape, torture, death most likely), and steps forward anyway. She makes a choice, and though she is scared, she steps up and out anyway. That is the choice of a martyr, a willing sacrifice.
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