The Hijab Crackdown in Iran: A Renewed Push for Enforcement
In recent years, Iran has seen a resurgence in the enforcement of the hijab, the mandatory headscarf for women in the country. The crackdown, known as the Noor Plan, has led to increased police presence in major Tehran squares and intersections, with officers targeting women with loose headscarves or those who choose not to wear them at all.
The renewed push for hijab enforcement comes on the heels of the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died as a result of “physical violence” inflicted upon her by the state. Amini’s death sparked mass protests and months of unrest, leading to a bloody crackdown by authorities. While the morality police briefly disappeared from the streets, they have since returned with a vengeance, targeting women and businesses that do not comply with the hijab laws.
The enforcement of the hijab has long been a contentious issue in Iran, with hard-liners insisting on its mandatory nature while others push back against what they see as oppressive measures. The garment has been intertwined with politics in the country since the days of former ruler Reza Shah Pahlavi, who banned it in 1936 only to have it reinstated after the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
Despite the government’s efforts to enforce the hijab, there are signs of resistance and dissent within Iran. Women continue to push back against the strict dress codes, wearing their headscarves loosely or leaving them draped around their shoulders while in public. Some presidential candidates have criticized the hijab law, calling for a softer implementation or denouncing the use of violence against women.
The international community has also taken notice of Iran’s crackdown on women’s rights. Amnesty International has reported on the arbitrary confiscation of thousands of cars belonging to women who do not wear the hijab, as well as the prosecution and sentencing of women for violating veiling laws. Women activists have been imprisoned and abused for their work, leading to calls for a boycott of the upcoming presidential election.
As Iran grapples with internal dissent and external pressure, there are growing concerns about the escalating enforcement of the hijab. While some politicians advocate for harsher penalties, others warn of the risks involved in further crackdowns. The Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other leaders are aware of the potential backlash from escalating enforcement and have yet to approve a bill that could impose 10-year prison sentences for hijab violations.
In the midst of this turmoil, women in Iran continue to navigate the complexities of religious and political mandates. While some adhere to the strict dress codes out of religious conviction, others question the necessity of such measures. The debate over the hijab in Iran is far from over, and as the country faces a critical juncture in its history, the future of women’s rights hangs in the balance.