Iranian Authorities Crack Down on Violations of Mandatory Hijab Rules
Tehran, Iran – Iranian authorities have intensified their efforts to enforce the country’s mandatory hijab rules, relaunching patrols by the morality police. The spokesperson for the Iranian law enforcement force, Saeid Montazeralmahdi, confirmed that police patrols were now operational on foot and with vehicles to crack down on individuals whose clothing does not adhere to the Islamic Republic’s dress code.
Montazeralmahdi stated that the morality police would issue warnings and then refer those who persistently violate the dress code to the judicial system. The police expect everyone to conform to accepted dress codes so that officers can focus on other vital police missions.
The officers are tasked with warning women, and sometimes men, to correct their dress code violations. This could range from adjusting headscarves to changing into more loose-fitting clothing deemed appropriate. Women found to be in breach of the rules could face arrest and be taken to re-education facilities run by the police.
This crackdown comes in the wake of the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in police custody after being detained over an alleged dress code violation. Her death sparked mass protests across the country, during which the morality police were largely absent from the streets. However, the authorities’ approach seems to be gradually shifting.
For the past few months, the police have been using surveillance cameras to identify hijab violators, who are then given warnings, fines, or sent to court. Additionally, individuals found to be in violation of the dress code while in their vehicles could have their cars impounded. Businesses have also faced closures for offering services to women with loose hijabs, including cafes, restaurants, and shopping centers.
There have been several high-profile hijab-related incidents recently. In a released video, police officers accompanied by a camera crew are seen telling women of all ages to fix their hijabs. The video shows the women’s unblurred faces and indicates that they have been identified and referred to the judiciary.
Furthermore, actor Mohamad Sadeghi was arrested after releasing a reaction video online, in which he expressed his outrage over a female officer’s treatment of a woman wearing the hijab. Actress Azadeh Samadi was also sentenced to a six-month ban on using social media and her mobile phone, along with mandated therapy, for participating in a funeral without a headscarf.
Meanwhile, the government and parliament are working on legislation aimed at strengthening hijab controls. However, the bill has faced criticism from conservative opponents who argue that it is too lenient.
The intensified crackdown on violations of mandatory hijab rules in Iran has raised concerns about individual freedoms and human rights. As authorities escalate their efforts, there are growing fears of further restrictions and the suppression of personal choices in the country.
Original Story at www.aljazeera.com – 2023-07-16 14:45:02
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