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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Death Sparked Nationwide Youth Uprising
- Masa Amini's death for improper hijab sparked nationwide, sustained protests led mainly by Generation Z women.
- Their civil disobedience continues despite arrests, killings, and heavy repression across Iran.
Protests At The Hospital And Funeral
- Fatima Jamalpour described crowds gathering at Kassar hospital and being beaten while protesting Masa's death.
- Thousands attended Masa's funeral and protests spread to Tehran and other cities, sustained for months.
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.
