Two marathon organisers arrested in Iran over women running without hijabs
Guardian2 days
Iran Arrests Marathon Organizers Over Unveiled Women Runners
Does the marathon violate Islamic law requiring enforcement, or does it show women breaking oppressive control?
Above: Runners from the Kish Island marathon. Image credit: Fardin via X
The Spin
Pro-Iran narrative
The marathon violated public decency and disregarded clear warnings about complying with religious and legal regulations. Organizers showed negligence by allowing the event to proceed in a manner that disrespected Islamic norms, and decisive action against all involved parties is necessary to uphold the law. Healthy sports activities are supported, but blatant disregard for established legal and religious standards can't be tolerated.
Anti-Iran narrative
Arresting marathon organizers because women ran without hijabs exposes the regime's absurd priorities and gender apartheid in action. While Iran faces economic collapse and real crises, resources flow toward policing women's clothing instead of solving actual problems. Iranian women are refusing to obey oppressive rules, running freely and breaking the regime's control step by step.
Cynical narrative
The marathon was never meant for Iranians; it was crafted as a spectacle for Western eyes. By staging a women's race while repression persists, the regime fabricates an image of reform. Even the arrests serve the script — manufactured dissent to convince foreign audiences of internal struggle. Iranians see the choreography clearly, knowing the performance isn't for them.