Iran Judiciary Calls for Tougher Stance on 'Social Anomalies'
Iranian judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei has ordered stricter measures to combat what he termed as 'social anomalies', with a particular focus on the increasing disregard for the mandatory hijab among women.
The order by Ejei, according to local media reports, includes instructing prosecutors and law enforcement agencies to identify and bring before the judiciary what are deemed to be organized movements related to these social issues.
The term 'social anomalies' generally refers to behaviors or trends that deviate from the societal norms as defined by the government, with the current emphasis on dress code compliance.
Under Iran's laws since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, all women are required to cover their hair in public with a hijab and wear modest attire.
However, in urban areas such as Tehran, many women have been seen without headscarves, opting for Western-style clothing like jeans and sneakers, which has become a significant point of contention among conservatives.
This development is especially noticeable following the widespread protests that erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022.
Amini had been detained by Iran's morality police for allegedly violating hijab rules.
The ensuing demonstrations resulted in hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests across the country, including among security force members.
Government officials have recently acknowledged the challenge, with Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh MoHajjerani stating that forcing individuals to wear the hijab is not a viable option amid criticism from both conservative and liberal factions.
The administration has refused to implement more severe penalties for women who do not observe the dress code.
In recent months, authorities have taken to closing down businesses such as cafes and restaurants that fail to enforce hijab rules or serve alcohol, which remains prohibited in Iran.
There is an ongoing debate about the importance of the hijab as a symbol of Iranian women's Islamic identity, with concerns raised over potential cultural erosion if these norms are not maintained.
The call by Ejei reflects the judiciary's effort to reinforce societal norms and address what it perceives as a threat from Western cultural influences.
It remains to be seen how this stance will be implemented and received within Iranian society.
The term 'social anomalies' generally refers to behaviors or trends that deviate from the societal norms as defined by the government, with the current emphasis on dress code compliance.
Under Iran's laws since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, all women are required to cover their hair in public with a hijab and wear modest attire.
However, in urban areas such as Tehran, many women have been seen without headscarves, opting for Western-style clothing like jeans and sneakers, which has become a significant point of contention among conservatives.
This development is especially noticeable following the widespread protests that erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022.
Amini had been detained by Iran's morality police for allegedly violating hijab rules.
The ensuing demonstrations resulted in hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests across the country, including among security force members.
Government officials have recently acknowledged the challenge, with Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh MoHajjerani stating that forcing individuals to wear the hijab is not a viable option amid criticism from both conservative and liberal factions.
The administration has refused to implement more severe penalties for women who do not observe the dress code.
In recent months, authorities have taken to closing down businesses such as cafes and restaurants that fail to enforce hijab rules or serve alcohol, which remains prohibited in Iran.
There is an ongoing debate about the importance of the hijab as a symbol of Iranian women's Islamic identity, with concerns raised over potential cultural erosion if these norms are not maintained.
The call by Ejei reflects the judiciary's effort to reinforce societal norms and address what it perceives as a threat from Western cultural influences.
It remains to be seen how this stance will be implemented and received within Iranian society.
