Iranian teenager Armita Geravand dies, reports IRNA

STORY: Armita Geravand, 16, died following an alleged altercation with police officers over violating the country’s hijab law, Iran’s official news agency IRNA reported Saturday (October 28).

Geravand was declared brain dead last week after falling into a coma on October 1.

Right-wing groups were the first to publicize Geravand’s hospitalization, posting photos on social media showing her unconscious and on life support.

Reuters was unable to verify the images.

They feared she would suffer the same fate as Mahsa Amini, who died while in custody of the vice police last September.

The incident sparked months of anti-government protests that escalated into the largest demonstration of opposition to Iranian authorities in years.

In Iran, the law requires women to cover their hair and wear long, loose clothing and risk public reprimands, fines or arrest if they do not comply.

Iran has denied that Geravand was injured by officers enforcing the mandatory Islamic dress code.