Women in Iran - Iran's Police: Zero-tolerance for clothing prescriptions for women
Iran's Police continue to enforce strict controls on women who fail to follow the dress codes after the election of the moderate President Masoud Pesikhani. "Nothing will change, as the observance of Islamic clothing regulations is not only a law but also part of our religious duties," Police Vice-Chief Ghassem Rezaei told the Isna News Agency.
Therefore, the Police will show no tolerance, stick to their line, and remain unaffected by government changes or "new political waves."
The partially violent enforcement of dress codes resulted in harsh criticism both domestically and internationally in the past few months. They were also major topics in the presidential campaign. Even the later winner Pesikhani criticized the morality police and promised women to stop them immediately.
However, it remains questionable whether the moderate Pesikhani will be able to implement this. On the one hand, he faces the powerful clergy, for whom the clothing regulations are an essential part of Islam. On the other hand, the parliament, dominated by hardliners, has been working on a legislative proposal since months, which provides for harsher measures and draconian penalties for violations of Islamic clothing regulations in the future.
Women without headscarves are warned immediately. If they disregard the warnings, they are arrested and taken to a police station.
Since the women's movement began in September 2022, morality police have been enforcing dress codes more strictly. The trigger for the protests was then the death of the young Iranian Kurd Mahsa Amini. She was arrested by the morality police because a few hair strands were visible under her headscarf. She later died in police custody.
- Despite the election of President Masoud Pesikhani, who is known for his moderation, the Iranian Police continue to enforce strict clothing prescriptions for women, citing both law and religious duties.
- The issue of clothing regulations for women was a significant topic during the recent presidential campaign, with the winner, President Pesikhani, publicly criticizing the morality police and promising to stop their activities.
- Despite these promises, President Pesikhani may find it challenging to implement changes, as he must navigate the powerful clergy, who view clothing regulations as integral to Islam, and a parliament dominated by hardliners, who are pushing for harsher measures.
- In Teheran, the police remain unwavering in their enforcement of these regulations, as demonstrated by their immediate warnings and subsequent arrests of women who disregard the dress codes.
