EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell

EU Following Worrying Case Of Iranian Teen In Coma

Friday, 10/06/2023

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has expressed concerns about Armita Geravand, an Iranian teenage girl who fell into a coma after an encounter with hijab enforcers.

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy told Iran International that they “are following this worrying case.” 

“While all the details are not yet clear, the reports indicate that her condition is the result of a confrontation with the police,” Borrell said, adding, “If confirmed this would be unacceptable and unjustifiable.”

Touching upon the issue of the human rights situation in Iran, Borrell noted that “it is something that the EU not only follows closely and raises regularly with the Iranian authorities (most recently with the Foreign Minister of Iran)," but also reacts to with public condemnation and with sanctions against those responsible.

Despite growing concerns expressed by numerous activists and officials regarding her condition, Iranian authorities have escalated efforts to suppress information about her.

Security has remained high at the Fajr hospital where Armita is receiving intensive care since the beginning of the week.

According to information obtained by Iran International, physicians and nurses entering her room are subjected to continuous physical search to ensure they do not carry mobile phones or cameras. The surveillance cameras in her room have also been disconnected to prevent hacking or leakage of images.

Authorities are not forthcoming about the circumstances surrounding Armita's coma. Meanwhile, the media is filled with concerns from Iranians, foreign activists, and officials, all fearing a scenario similar to Mahsa Amini's death could reoccur.

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