Thursday, November 21, 2024


‘Schools are responsible’: Iran's student suicides highlight growing tensions over its hijab laws

The enforcement of hijab rules in Iran is once again making tragic headlines. Over the past two weeks, two teenage girls took their own lives after reportedly facing intense pressure in their schools. Sixteen-year-old Arezou Khavari jumped from a building, and 17-year-old Ainaz Karimi hanged herself. Both were students at public schools in impoverished regions of the country.


Issued on: 13/11/2024 - 
L
eft: A photo of Arezou Khavari displayed at her funeral. Right: Photo of Ainaz Karimi posted by one of her friends on social media: "It was too soon to leave, my bestie." 
© Observers

By: Alijani Ershad
FRANCE24/AFP

According to Iranian teachers interviewed by FRANCE 24, the country's education system is structured to exert relentless pressure on students – particularly young girls – to conform to the strict dictates of Islamic Sharia law.

While news of student suicides occasionally surfaces in Iranian media for various reasons, this is the first reported instance of two teenage girls taking their lives specifically due to pressure over the hijab. The incidents have sparked fresh outrage across Iranian society.


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