An Iranian woman has been sentenced to 20-year imprisonment for removing her hijab to protest the compulsory Islamic covering in December.
Shaparak Shajarizadeh took to her personal website to announce that she has been jailed for “opposing the compulsory hijab” and “waving a white flag of peace in the street”.
29 people were arrested in February by the police for removing their headscarves as part of a campaign known as “White Wednesdays.” Nasrin Sotoudeh, a prominent human rights lawyer who represented Shajarizadeh and other women, was arrested last month. .
Shajarizadeh, 42, was subject to torture and beatings after her arrest, her lawyer said. She was released on bail in late April. Her current whereabouts were unknown.
In Iran, women showing their hair in public face penalties ranging from a $25 fine to prison time.