Global Voices Online

Iranian authorities are fighting against women on at least two fronts. On one side, women activists protesting for equal rights are sent to prison and persecuted. On the other side, Iranian police officers continue with a nationwide crackdown aimed at making women abide by Iran's Islamic dress code. Although the head of judiciary, Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroud, criticized the police action, the operation still goes on. Thousands of women have been warned and hundreds arrested for wearing overly loose headscarves or excessively tight coats.

The following video clip displays the violent behavior of Iranian security forces. More than 38,000 viewers have watched it on YouTube so far.

Nasrin says [Fa] that the police actions against women are a humiliation to the so-called ‘Hezbollah.' Instead of words, art or thoughts, they just use force. She adds that 4,000 students have signed a petition and protested against the recent crackdown on women.

Zeynabeh Peyambarzadeh, a woman's activist and journalist has been arrested. According to [Fa] Meydan, Zeynab is suffering form heart problems and her family has not been able to convince prison authorities to deliver her medcines and clothing. More than 500 social and cultural activists and personalities protested against her detention.