tehran
The Iranian government is becoming strict regarding hijab. Iran’s new chastity and hijab laws are being criticized by journalists and activists. Under which violators can be given harsh punishments like death penalty and flogging. The new hijab law was passed in parliament in September 2023 and finalized by the Guardian Council a year later.
The law provides for harsh penalties for making hijab mandatory, including heavy fines, long prison sentences, and restrictions on employment and education. On Friday, human rights advocate Shadi Sadr described the extreme provisions of the new law, including one that gives the judiciary, in collaboration with foreign entities, the power to impose the death penalty on individuals accused of nudity, veiling or wearing inappropriate attire. Apart from this, such acts are seen as “corruption on earth”.
Death penalty can be imposed for not wearing hijab
According to a Fars News report linked to the Revolutionary Guards Corps, a section of the new hijab and chastity law reads, “Any person who associates with foreign governments, networks, media outlets, groups or organizations hostile to the State, or individuals associated with them.” conspires, or engages in an organized manner, in promoting or advertising nudity, immorality, veiling, or inappropriate dress, shall be punished by imprisonment of the fourth degree and a fine of the third degree, until his crime Does not fall under Article 286 of the Islamic Penal Code.”
Article 286 of the Islamic Penal Code defines ‘spreading corruption on earth’ as punishable by death. If authorities consider a hijab violation under this article, it can result in the death penalty.
flogging punishment
The second provision, which includes a penalty of flogging for not following hijab rules, will remain in the new law, which targets women, trans people and non-binary people.
Opposition from journalists and activists
More than 140 journalists have raised their voice against this harsh law, calling it a violation of civil rights and an attack on the freedom of the press. On the other hand, organizations talking about women’s rights are already demanding more stringent sanctions on Iran.
Journalist and women’s rights activist Masih Alinejad has described this law as a deliberate weapon to crush women, suppress their voices and end the fight for equality. He said, “This is not a law; It is a weapon of terror.”
According to the report, people accused of promoting anti-hijab views in foreign media or organizations will face prison sentences of up to 10 years. Additionally, a fine of up to £12,500 may also have to be paid. Apart from this, people trying to prevent or interfere in the arrest of women violating the law will also not be spared. The government of Iran can directly put such people in jail.
According to Iran, the new laws are aimed at maintaining the sanctity of the hijab culture. Iran has said that those protesting against not dressing properly, promoting nudity or covering the face will be given the harshest punishment. It is noteworthy that since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Iran has implemented a law requiring women to cover their hair in public places. In 2022, there were demonstrations across the country against these laws.
On September 16, 2022, 22-year-old Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini died in police custody in Iran. Mahsa was arrested by the Moral Police stationed in Tehran for violating the country’s dress code. After his death, protests started across the country. Hundreds of people, including many security personnel, were killed in these demonstrations. Then the Iranian government arrested thousands of protesters to stop these demonstrations. Now two years later, even stricter laws have been implemented than before.
