Iranian Activist's Court Cancelled As She Refuses Hijab

Prominent Iranian activist and political prisoner Sepideh Qolian's court session was cancelled as she defied to wear the mandatory hijab.

Qolian, a prominent civil and labor activist was scheduled to appear in a public court session on Wednesday, but the proceedings were postponed due to her refusal to wear a veil and abide by mandatory hijab rules.

The court session, which was expected to be held openly, faced delays as Qolian staunchly stood her ground on her beliefs.

Qolian became famous when as a journalist she covered long labor strikes at the Haft=Tappeh sugar factory in 2017-2018. She was arrested and jailed for her advocacy in favor of workers' demands.

According to a report by the semi-official Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA), the court session, despite being attended by the judge, the prosecutor, and the plaintiff's attorneys, could not proceed.

In a letter penned from Evin Prison a day before the court date, Qolian revealed her decision to participate in the public trial and represent herself, despite previously declaring the trial a sham.

In 2019, during her detention at Qarchak Prison, she witnessed her own confessions being broadcasted on state television. She identified the TV presenter as Ameneh Sadat Zabihpour, who is a regime mouthpiece , as the same female interrogator referred to as Ms. Askari during her interrogations. Her revelation led to Zabihpour suing Qolian.

Her passion for activism did not wane even after completing her four-year prison term, as she was released in March. However, immediately following her release, Qolian was arrested again for publicly chanting against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, while not wearing hijab. She received another two-year prison sentence.