Melika Qaragozlu

Extra Bio Info:

Melika Qaragozlu was detained in relation to protesting religious freedom conditions.

On July 13, 2022, authorities arrested Qaragozlu, a student activist, reportedly after she protested the mandatory religious head covering law and posted a video of herself not wearing a hijab.

On August 24, 2022, Qaragozlu was released on bail.

In September 2022, it was reported that Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court reportedly sentenced Qaragozlu to three years and eight months in prison for "assembling and colluding to act against national security"(Art. 610 IPC) and eight months in prison for "propaganda against the state" (Art. 500 IPC). Qaragozlu is expected to serve three years and eight months in prison as the sentences run concurrently.

On October 1, 2022, authorities arrested Qaragozlu again. It is unclear if this most recent arrest was tied to her prison sentence or in relation to nationwide anti-hijab protests.

On October 12, 2022, Qaragozlu's lawyer reported that Qaragozlu had been denied her medication and a check-up with a specialized doctor.

On November 16, 2022, Qaragozlu was transferred from Qarchak Prison to Amin Abad psychiatric hospital.

On December 4, 2022, Qaragozlu's lawyer reported that unidentified individuals attempted to tie Qaragozlu to her hospital bed and inject her with with an unidentified substance. Qaragozlu reportedly went on hunger strike in protest of the treatment.

On December 20, 2022, Qaragozlu was reportedly released from prison after her sentence was suspended.