On the island of Kish, in southern Iran, a historic marathon was held on December 5. In fact, among the 5000 participants, there were also around 2000 women, most of whom ran without hijab. Loose hair, tails, braids, headbands and hats have replaced the mandatory veil, making it almost impossible to spot a covered head in the videos.
For the Iranian authorities, accustomed to repressing any sign of female autonomy and for whom the veil is mandatory for women, the show was a public slap in the face. Yet, for many participants it was simply natural. His message is clear: after years of repression, civil society no longer intends to lower its gaze.
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The ayatollahs speak of indecency: two arrests
Conservative media and religious authorities reacted with predictable fury: the marathon was called “indecent,” “disrespectful of Islamic norms,” a “disco marathon,” even a “Las Vegas of running,” as if running without a veil were a scandalous act.
The repressive response came quickly. The Kish judiciary arrested two organizers: an official of the Kish Free Zone Organization and an employee of the private company that managed the event. The two were found guilty of allowing the event to take place without enforcing religious rules on dress. Both have been subjected to restrictive measures: the first will not be able to hold public positions, the second will no longer be able to organize sporting events.
The issue of compulsory veiling continues to split Iranian institutions. After Mahsa Amini’s death in 2022, the rigidity of the rules became a subject of conflict between parliament, the government and the judiciary. President Masoud Pezeshkian has blocked more punitive laws, while lawmakers accuse judges of failing to enforce existing ones. The result is a repressive limbo that deprives women of all freedom.
An act of courage that goes around the world
But despite the arrests and convictions, the images of the women of Kish speak for themselves. Running without a veil, in a country where this gesture can lead to arrest, is an act of pure courage. Not an isolated gesture, but part of a movement that continues to grow and faces the fear of repression without proclamations or seeking clashes. In Kish these women showed the world that freedom can also take shape in the rhythm of a run, in the wind in your hair, in the choice to no longer lower your head.
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