In the bustling streets of Tehran, a renewed crackdown on women not wearing hijabs or wearing them loosely has stirred outrage and protest. This push for strict enforcement comes almost two years after the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died in police custody due to “physical violence” according to a UN panel. The aftermath of her death led to mass protests and a crackdown, but now the morality police are back on the streets, forcibly arresting women and targeting businesses that serve them.
The hard-line stance on the hijab reflects the government’s conspiratorial views and attempts to control women’s behavior. Despite the ongoing crackdown, many women in Iran continue to resist, wearing their hijabs loosely and facing the consequences.
As Iran heads into a presidential election, the future of the hijab enforcement remains uncertain. While some candidates support the law, others criticize the violence used against women. The imprisoned activist Narges Mohammadi calls for a boycott of the election, accusing the regime of repression and violence.
As the debate on the hijab law continues, women in Iran navigate between religious obligation and personal choice, reflecting the ongoing struggle for freedom and expression in the country.