As anticipated, following the conclusion of the elections in Iran, mandated by the regime’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, a fresh wave of repression against women has commenced. During his Eid al-Fitr address on Wednesday, April 10, Khamenei sternly cautioned government agents against any leniency in upholding religious norms, issuing a clear directive: “The officials, the populace, and the leaders of the Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil headquarters must fulfill their duties in this regard.”
From these directives, it becomes evident that women are the primary targets in this new phase of repression.
Just one day after Khamenei’s proclamation, Ahmadreza Radan, commander of the regime’s police force, issued a menacing statement threatening Iranian women. Radan stated, “Starting Saturday, April 13, individuals caught removing their hijabs will be identified using advanced technology. Offenders removing hijab in public venues will initially receive warnings and subsequently be brought before the courts. Vehicles where women remove their hijab will receive an initial warning, with impoundment on the second offense. Businesses whose employees violate hijab regulations will receive a warning followed by closure.”
Following Radan’s announcement, the East and West Police Commands of Tehran province declared that “the hijab and modesty enforcement plan will be rigorously implemented in all thoroughfares and public spaces starting Saturday, April 13.” Police commands across various provinces, including Bushehr, Kermanshah, and Semnan, issued similar threats to the populace, particularly targeting women, through official announcements.
It is essential to recognize that according to both human rights laws and religious doctrines, the choice of wearing the hijab is a deeply personal matter. No individual or authority possesses the right to impose specific attire on women. The decision to cover oneself is a fundamental individual right, and any attempt by religious authorities to enforce such dress codes upon women constitutes a blatant violation of human rights.
Henceforth, as this new wave of repression commences, it is imperative for all Iranians to stand in solidarity against Khamenei’s oppressive edicts. Standing with women against the regime’s oppressive measures is both a civic responsibility and a testament to commitment to justice and equality.
The protests in 2021 underscored the pivotal role of women as the forefront of uprising and protest movements. The regime’s concerted efforts to suppress them are a cornerstone of its wider strategy aimed at stifling the resistance of the Iranian people.
