Woman Arrested in Iran For Singing In Public Without Hijab, Family Unable to Locate Her

A young Iranian woman, Zara Esmaeili was arrested and jailed for singing in public without wearing a hijab, after her video went viral on social media.

According to a report in Metro, Zara’s family has been unable to locate her’.

Zara in the past has performed without the mandatory hijab in public spaces like the metro, parks and streets of Tehran. Her performances are a form of protest against the Islamic Republic’s oppressive laws, which restrict women’s freedom and self-expression including strict enforcement of the mandatory hijab laws.

Her arrest coincides with the Iran authorities’ introduction of a new initiative aimed at restricting women’s autonomy, amidst the ongoing “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement.

While rapper Toomaj Salehi was arrested for his lyrics criticising the government and social issues, singer Shervin Hajipour was imprisoned for his song ‘Baraye,’ which became an anthem for the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement.

This movement is rising since the tragic death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, which led to widespread protests and demands for change.