The long wave of unrest has posed one of the strongest challenges to the Islamic republic since the 1979 revolution. In open defiance of hijab rules, women waved and burned their headscarves or cut their hair.
Although unrest seemed to subside in recent weeks, perhaps due to executions or crackdowns, acts of civil disobedience continued.
Anti-government slogans echoed through the night in Tehran and other cities. Youth spray graffiti condemning the republic at night or burn pro-government billboards or signs on main highways. Despite warnings from the authorities, naked women continue to appear in the streets, malls, shops and restaurants.
Several of the dozens of recently released prisoners have posed nude for the cameras.
The authorities have not backed down from the mandatory hijab policy, a pillar of the Islamic republic.
In recent weeks, Iranian media have reported the closure of many businesses, restaurants and cafes due to failure to comply with hijab rules.
Last week, Iranian authorities called on trade unions to strictly enforce hijab rules in Tehran’s stores and businesses.
Last month, female students with “inappropriate” veils were warned they would be barred from entering the University of Tehran, while local media reported that around 50 students were barred from entering Urmia University in the northwest for flouting hijab rules. was prevented from doing.
Rights activists say more than 500 protesters have been killed since September, including 71 minors. Around 20,000 have been detained. According to the judiciary, at least four people have been hanged.
Karami, a 22-year-old karate champion, and Hussaini were convicted of killing a member of the Basij paramilitary militia.
Amnesty International stated that the court that convicted Karami relied on a coerced confession. Hussaini’s lawyer said that his client was tortured.
Two others were hanged on 8 and 12 December respectively.
The five female activists who were released on Thursday said they owe their freedom to the solidarity of “the freedom-loving people and youth of Iran,” according to social media posts.
“The day of independence is near,” he said in a statement.