Ahoo Daryaei

Ahoo Daryaei (Persian: آهو دریایی, romanized: Āhū Daryāyī, pronounced [ɒːˈhuː dæɾjɒːˈjiː]), also known as the Science and Research Girl, is a 30-year-old Iranian doctoral student in French literature at Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran.

On 2 November 2024, members of the Basij paramilitary tore part of Daryaei’s clothing while confronting her over Iran’s compulsory hijab laws at the Azad University in Tehran. In response, she removed the remainder of her clothes and sat partially undressed in protest. Soon after, security forces reportedly took her into custody, causing her forced disappearance from public view, probably to be committed to a psychiatric hospital. Observers and human rights activists reject claims that she was mentally unstable, arguing that Iranian authorities often label women protesters as mentally ill to silence them.

Following a domestic and international outcry, Daryaei was released without charge on November 19 after spending time in a psychiatric ward.

Daryaei's action on 2 November 2024 turned her into a symbol of resistance against Iran's strict dress code laws and the enforcement of the compulsory hijab, especially two years after the death of Mahsa Amini. Her protest and subsequent arrest drew international attention, with human rights organisations calling for her release.