The Threads of Defiance

Iranian authorities arrested two women and one man this week following an incident where the man threw yogurt on the pair for failing to don the country’s mandatory headscarf, as Iranian authorities, under pressure from protesters, continue to take a hard line, CNN reported.

The incident took place last week at a store in the northeastern city of Shandiz. Video footage showed a man approaching one of the women – who was not wearing a hijab – and speaking to her. Seconds later he threw a tub of yogurt at the two women which struck them both.

Local media said that the two women were arrested after warrants were issued for failing to wear the hijab in public. Authorities also detained the man for disturbing public order.

The incident comes as Iran continues to see mass protests against the obligatory headscarf.

The demonstrations began last year following the death of Mahsa Amini, who was detained by Iran’s morality police for allegedly violating the hijab law. She later died in custody.

Iranian women risk arrest for failing to cover their hair, but many women have been defying the mandatory dress code since the protests broke out last year. Authorities have responded with a violent crackdown on protesters, arresting thousands and executing at least four people, according to the BBC.

Following the yogurt incident, Iranian officials reiterated their stance that the hijab was compulsory and “an unquestionable religious necessity.”