The Iranian regime’s persistent unease toward its own population, particularly women and youth, is an ominous backdrop to the nation’s complex political landscape. This apprehension is rooted in the remarkable dynamics of empowerment, demographics, historical precedents, and the ever-expanding influence of the digital age and these two segments of society.
As we delve into the heart of this narrative, it becomes clear that the regime’s deep-seated concerns are not without reason. They stem from a deep-seated fear of the potential for change and the resilience of those who yearn for it.
For this reason, the regime has increasingly tightened its grip, resorting to heightened pressure to stifle dissent and maintain its authority.
In a recent report, the Sharq Network website shed light on the Iranian regime’s mounting opposition to women’s freedom of choice in clothing. The report revealed that orders have been issued to the regime’s Basij and plainclothes forces to halt and inspect the vehicles of private individuals.
As described by the Sharq channel, women’s experiences have highlighted a concerning new phase in this crackdown, where private vehicles are being impounded due to perceived violations of the mandatory hijab requirement. Regime personnel, often operating incognito and dubbed “invisible police,” are stopping vehicles on the pretext of a lack of hijab compliance by either the driver or passengers.
The scope of these impoundments isn’t confined to urban areas alone. There are reports of vehicles being intercepted and moved to impound lots, even on intercity roads.
Legal experts, such as Mohsen Borhani, have strongly criticized this practice. He points out that there is no legal basis for seizing a car based on hijab violations. The sole justification appears to be an arbitrary decree from the country’s Chastity and Hijab Headquarters, as announced by the Minister of the Interior. This notification and decree run counter to the country’s constitution and existing legal framework.
Notably, the Iranian regime judiciary previously asserted that the interior of a car is not considered a private space and is deemed to be within the public view. This stance has raised concerns about privacy and personal freedoms within the country.
Reza Morad Sahrai, the regime’s Minister of Education, recently issued a circular, declaring the mandatory inclusion of a prayer bell in all schools across all educational levels.
The circular outlines the incorporation of the prayer summons into the official daily schedule of schools with the primary goal of “strengthening and promoting the culture of prayer.” This directive applies to all courses and levels of education, with schools allocating a mandatory 30 minutes each day for this purpose.
The circular underlines the precedence given to the “strengthening and development of the culture of prayer” in educational activities within schools, aligning with the principles outlined in regime supreme leader “Ali Khamenei’s intent” as part of the second phase of the revolution.
Furthermore, the General Director of “War Martyrs and Injured Affairs” at the Ministry of Education, Zahra Panahirava, announced a new approach in education on February 2, 2023, emphasizing that “the promotion of the culture of martyrdom in schools has begun,” and this perspective will also influence the content of textbooks. She noted that forthcoming changes will center around the promotion of martyrdom.
This move comes after the Ministry of Education announced in September of the previous year revisions to the content of 200 textbooks, following the directives of Khamenei. These changes are based on Khamenei’s statements regarding the revision of textbooks and educational materials provided to students.
The fear of dissent, particularly among the youth and women, has led to intensified control and pressure from the regime, manifesting in actions such as the impoundment of private vehicles and changes to educational content. These measures not only infringe on personal liberties but also reveal the extent to which the regime is willing to exert its authority to safeguard its grip on power.
