Increased pressure by security agencies on the family of Armita Geravand; one year after her state-sanctioned murder

Hengaw; Sunday, October 27, 2024

Hengaw's sources report that the security agencies of the Islamic Republic of Iran have imposed severe pressure on the family of the deceased teenager Armita Geravand on the first anniversary of her state-sanctioned murder.

According to reports received by Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, security agencies have recently pressured Armita’s family and prohibited them from posting any content on social media related to her. The family was even prevented from posting a story about the floral wreath prepared for her grave, with security forces stopping this action.

A family member told Hengaw, “For several days now, the home of Armita’s family in Tehran has been under heavy surveillance by security forces, and all movements to and from their residence are being closely monitored. These agencies have warned the family that Armita's memorial must not take place at their home or at her gravesite.”

This source, who requested anonymity for security reasons, added: “Since the morning of Saturday, October 26, security forces have been stationed around Armita’s grave to prevent any gathering on the anniversary of her murder.”

Armita Geravand, born on April 2, 2006, in Kermanshah (Kermashan), was rendered unconscious on October 1, 2023, following an altercation with government agents due to her non-compliance with the mandatory hijab law in Tehran’s metro. She was admitted to Fajr Hospital, affiliated with the Army’s Medical Sciences University, and fell into a coma. After 28 days, she passed away on October 28, 2023.