Iran escalates hijab enforcement, sparking nationwide dissent
6:41 PM EDT, April 21, 2024, updated: 11:48 AM EDT, April 22, 2024
In Iran, special units have been established to enforce the wearing of the hijab in public places effectively. Female opposition members argue that the authorities are conducting a war against all women throughout every street in the country.
As Radio Free Europe (RFE) reported, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards Corps squads in Tehran, Hasan Hasanzadeh, announced the creation of a new body dedicated to enforcing the strict dress code for women, specifically the wearing of the hijab.
Hasanzadeh mentioned that the members of this specialized squad are trained to ensure that the hijab is appropriately worn in public places. This measure involves wearing a scarf that completely covers the hair.
As of last week, the "Noor" campaign has been active, aiming to compel women to don conservative outfits aligning with the state's interpretation of religious law.
War against all women on all the streets
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, serving a 16-year sentence at the notorious Evin prison since 2016 for her efforts to abolish the death penalty in Iran, commented on the issue.
She described the government's actions as a "war unleashed by the authoritarian theocracy against all women on every street across the country." Mohammadi's insights were shared on Instagram.
Hijab "a pillar of identity"
Interior Minister Ahmad Wahidi recently referred to the hijab as one of the pillars of the Iranian system's identity and Sharia principles. He cautioned against relaxing enforcement and assured that the ministry's actions concerning the hijab are carried out within the confines of the law.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahijan told CNN that women are being used as a tool by external forces attempting to change Iran's political system.
The debate over wearing or rejecting the hijab is increasingly highlighted in global media, especially after the events of fall 2022. This period marked a wave of mass protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who passed away after being detained by the police for failing to cover her hair adequately. The protests, lasting several months, resulted in the reported deaths of at least 550 demonstrators, according to human rights groups.
