Iran protests: Teen's bravery offers glimmer of hope as violent crackdown and internet restrictions continue
In her sunshine yellow coat, a 17-year-old girl clambered on top of a car and threw her hands in the air - fingers spread to show V for victory – and the crowd erupted in a loud cheer.
Sonia Sharifi had just been released from the clutches of Iranian detention.
It is the fourth month of protests in Iran and the levels of violence and intimidation facing those calling for revolution are at their highest since the movement began.
The risks for those involved are huge, with some protesters now leaving their phones at home to minimise the brutality they could face if they are arrested.
This may be why it appears less video evidence of the protests has been emerging from the country in recent weeks.
Despite the danger, video verified by Sky News shows the moment Sonia's family, friends and neighbours gathered in the streets of Abdanan to celebrate her homecoming when she was released on bail. It is blurred to keep their identities safe.
Some people were so overwhelmed with happiness they began to spontaneously dance in the street.
The Kurdistan Human Rights Network report that this teenage girl was dragged from her grandmother's house in November, beaten and forced into a false confession admitting to making Molotov cocktails and writing dangerous slogans.
Iran's notorious Revolutionary Guards have sent messages on an encrypted messaging app monitored by Sky News accusing "hostile media" of "lying" about details of her arrest. They provided no evidence for their claims.
Sonia's defiant pose, struck seemingly without fear of the authorities who detained her, spread quickly across social media in the middle of December.
The image of her brave stance was treated by many Iranians online as a symbol of hope at a time when the state had executed two protesters and more than 500 demonstrators had lost their lives.
The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) report that around 70 of those who died were children. The group's figures, published on 19 December, also report that almost 20,000 people have been arrested.
Despite this crackdown, authorities have been unable to stamp out the protest movement that has been sweeping across the country for the past three months.
-sky news
