Iranian University Expels Top Surgeon Who Defied Hijab Rules

Fatemeh Rajaei-Rad revealed she had received an expulsion order from Amol University of Medical Sciences in a post on her Instagram account on Tuesday.

She had come to public attention earlier this year when she declined to wear hijab in attending a ceremony at which she was awarded the title of Exemplary Surgeon.

The video of her attendance without a hijab circulated widely on social media, eliciting praise for her courage from many Iranians.

However, it also drew condemnation from government officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's representative in Mazandaran province and the Friday Prayer Imam of Amol, who called for "severe action" against her.

Following the ceremony, Fars News Agency reported that Rajaei-Rad was summoned to the prosecutor's office in Amol and was denied access to Babol University of Medical Sciences, where she was teaching.

Additionally, three managers from the health department of Babol city were dismissed due to their perceived lack of reaction to Rajaei-Rad's presence without hijab during the ceremony.

Under mounting pressure, some government-affiliated media released a video in which Rajaei-Rad purportedly "apologized" for causing discomfort and insult to those "who observe complete hijab." It follows the well-documented history of the security and intelligence apparatus of the Islamic Republic using "coerced confessions" from critics, opponents, and protesters.