Kobra Gholami, a Social Researcher and Afghan Migrant, Was Expelled from Iran for not Observing the Hijab
Recently, Ms. Gholami was conducting research on “Identity Formation of Migrant Women at the Intersection of Gender and Nationality.”
The Iranian police summoned Kobra Gholami, a social researcher from the Afghan migrant community, to the passport office for not observing the hijab and subsequently deported her to Afghanistan. It is reported that she had all the legal documents for residence in Iran.
Mohajir Times: Close friends of Kobra said that her forced expulsion had no legal justification. Several social media users and friends of Kobra Gholami stated that this migrant researcher was summoned to the passport office on Thursday, August 1, 2024, after receiving several warning text messages regarding her hijab compliance. She was then detained by police officers and deported to Afghanistan within a few hours without her family. Some media outlets have reported that her passport had previously been confiscated for not observing the hijab.
Social media users have launched a campaign with the hashtag “#BringKobraBack,” expressing concern about her fate and demanding her return to Iran. Shima Va’ezi, an Iranian user, wrote on her X account: “Now Kobra is on the bus and hasn’t even been able to talk or say goodbye to her family and loved ones. She had all the residency documents and has studied her Master’s degree at Alzahra University.”
Last year, Kobra Gholami spoke at the Sixth Conference on Socio-Cultural Research in Iran, titled “Femininity and Social-Cultural Transformation,” on a panel called “Afghan Migrant Women in the Cycle of Oppression.” In her speech, she discussed the treatment of Afghan migrant women in Iran.
Recently, Ms. Gholami was conducting research on “Identity Formation of Migrant Women at the Intersection of Gender and Nationality.” However, there is currently no information about Kobra’s status or whereabouts. Social affairs experts claim that if this Afghanistani migrant woman is handed over to the Taliban, her life and safety will be in grave danger.
Meanwhile, Ameneh Zamani, a child rights activist, also wrote on her Instagram account: “Kobra is on the bus now and hasn’t even been able to talk or say goodbye to her family and loved ones. She had all the residency documents and was studying for her Master’s in Social Sciences at Alzahra University. Deporting women without their families is rare. We are concerned about Kobra’s safety during the journey and after reaching Afghanistan. This action is illegal. It is worth mentioning that Kobra’s recent presentation at the Iranian Sociological Association panel was titled ‘Identity Formation of Migrant Women at the Intersection of Gender and Nationality.”
