Germany’s Culture Minister Claudia Roth has criticized mandatory headscarves for women in Iran as a sign of repression as demonstrations continue to wreak havoc in the country following the death of a woman in custody for violating the dress code.

“The veil is a symbol of a degenerate, deeply authoritarian system, an attempt at oppression by those who say the veil is a sign of honor and dignity, and who, in turn, lost their honor and dignity long ago through repression, corruption and brutal violence,” – Roth said to Der Spiegel, which was covered by the DPA agency on Saturday, as quoted by Agerpres.

Iran has been rocked by protests for weeks following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was arrested by Tehran’s morality police for violating the strict Islamic dress code for women.

It is not known what caused her death. While critics blame police brutality, authorities insist the young woman died of heart failure.

• Read also: Iran claims to have determined the cause of death of young Mahsa Amini: death is related to brain disease, not shock

Roth defended wearing the headscarf during a visit to Iran, saying women’s rights activists had asked her to go to the country to address their concerns and hear their stories.

“As a feminist, I was supposed to say, under no circumstances will I wear a veil, even if it means I can’t fulfill your wish?” Roth asked.

German Minister of Culture Claudia Roth (Photo: dpa picture alliance / Alamy / Profimedia)

She said she chose a scarf that didn’t completely cover her hair, a gesture she called a discreet form of dissent.

“It was a silent protest. I was wearing my mother’s silk scarf (…) which slipped and left my hair visible.”

Roth’s comments came as protests continue in Iran despite a brutal crackdown by authorities who have blamed the West for the unrest.