Source: Iran Wire
Arezoo Badri, a young woman shot by Iranian authorities over hijab compliance, was coerced into making a false confession under pressure from security agents, according to reports.
US-based activist Masih Alinejad shared a video of Badri in Tehran’s Valiasr Hospital, citing an informed source saying, “The hospital area has been heavily secured, and yesterday, a film crew, coordinated by [police commander Ahmadreza] Radan, arrived at the hospital.”
“They forced the family to appear on camera and express their satisfaction with the conditions,” according to Alinejad.
The source said that Badri cried under the pressure, expressing her unwillingness to be filmed.
Despite strong opposition from Badri’s family, security forces used threats and coercion to compel them to make statements as directed.
“Arezoo broke down in tears due to the pressure and voiced her dissatisfaction with the filming.
“Despite strong opposition from Arezoo Badri’s family to sitting in front of the camera and speaking, the security forces ultimately coerced them into saying what was demanded through threats and force,” the source stated.
Alinejad further reported that Badri’s father, brother, and sister were also subjected to pressure and threats to participate in the filmed interview.
Iran International news channel corroborated these reports, reporting that Badri repeatedly stated she could not continue under the pressure to confess, but was forced to give an interview through threats and coercion by officers.
Badri, a 31-year-old mother of two from Mahmoudabad in northern Mazandaran, was shot by police in Noor City while returning from work.
The shooting resulted in severe injuries to her spinal cord and lungs.
According to reports, Badri was a passenger in a vehicle.
The police issued an “impound order” for alleged non-compliance with mandatory hijab laws and fired at the car from the rear door on the driver’s side.
Badri is currently hospitalized at Valiasr Hospital in Tehran under strict surveillance by intelligence agencies of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
