Iran’s government is becoming stricter on the issue of women’s clothing. On Wednesday, the country’s lawmakers passed a new bill in parliament. The bill includes harsh penalties for women who violate Islamic dress code regulations.
According to Iran’s state media, IRNA, the new bill imposes a prison sentence of up to 10 years for women who violate the Islamic dress code, which includes wearing the hijab.
Al Jazeera reports that this new law, once passed, will allow foreign or hostile governments, media, any group, or organization to report anyone found in public without proper hijab or appropriate clothing. Offenders could face a prison sentence ranging from 5 to 10 years.
However, this bill, which grants a three-year probationary period, has not yet been officially enacted into law. It will become law if approved by Iran’s Guardian Council.
Notably, the refusal to adhere to hijab laws gained attention when a young woman named Mahsha Amini was arrested on September 13, 2022, in Iran. She was later found dead in police custody while under surveillance in the hospital. Allegations arose that she died as a result of police brutality.
Following this incident, protests erupted across the country, with various segments of society expressing outrage. The situation went beyond the government’s control, leading to widespread demonstrations. During these protests, over 500 protesters were killed, and thousands of women, men, and children were arrested.
Please note that the situation in Iran regarding the hijab and related laws can be complex and controversial, and the enforcement and interpretation of such laws can vary over time.
