On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti The Iranian women defying their country’s strict laws
Nov 17, 2025
In this discussion, Fatima Jamalpour, an Iranian journalist and co-author of 'For the Sun After Long Nights', shares her insights on the courageous protests against Iran's oppressive hijab laws. She recounts Masa Amini's tragic death, the extraordinary bravery of young Iranians, and the generational shifts in attitudes toward the regime. Fatima sheds light on the harsh realities faced by protesters, including violence and censorship, while also emphasizing the resilience of the Iranian spirit and the desire for a life free from repression.
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From Hidden Scarf To Open Defiance
- Fatima recounted stopping wearing hijab publicly after 2018 protests and then discarding it entirely after Masa's death.
- She described feeling ashamed to hide her scarf when young girls walked unveiled past security checkpoints.
Teen Protester Killed And Silenced
- Fatima told the story of Nika, a 16-year-old protester who was allegedly raped and killed, with authorities staging it as suicide.
- The regime then arrested her family and buried her far away to prevent gatherings at her funeral.
Targeted Violence And Unbowed Resolve
- Security forces targeted protesters' eyes with shots, leaving many blinded and hospitals sometimes refusing treatment.
- Protesters declared they'd return to the streets regardless of injuries, showing extreme resolve.
