Iranian writer and Islamic scholar Sedigheh Vasmaghi is calling for a shift in the Islamic Republic’s judicial approach, urging that agents accused of assaulting detained women be prosecuted.
She slammed the judiciary for prosecuting whistleblowers like jailed Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi who expose such abuses.
Mohammadi, a prominent human rights detained activist, faces charges for the fourth time over her efforts to bring light to the sexual assault of imprisoned women, including journalist Dina Ghalibaf.
Vasmaghi, herself previously jailed for opposing Iran’s mandatory hijab, has taken a bold stance by using her Instagram platform to share her experiences and those of others like Ghalibaf who suffered under the hands of the morality police.
According to Vasmaghi, during her time in Evin prison, she witnessed firsthand the aftermath of the abuses, particularly when Ghalibaf was detained and subjected to violence and sexual harassment by officers.
Adding to the outcry, Mohammadi requested a public trial in her recent court appearance, seeking the presence of independent journalists, human rights activists, and legal representation. The move follows a similar call from 36 imprisoned political women, demanding transparency and the inclusion of independent media in Mohammadi’s trial to ensure fairness and accountability.
