Iran is poised to introduce even stricter hijab laws, threatening women up to a decade behind bars if they dare defy this controversial dress code. Here’s what we know about the shocking new law.
Draconian Dress Code
Women in Iran face prison sentences of up to 10 years for violating the mandatory hijab law.
Individuals and businesses catering to women without proper hijab may face closure due to the new law, putting everyone at risk.
UN experts liken the stricter dress code to “gender apartheid” and condemn Iran’s oppressive measures.
An Iranian journalist stated, “With the new law, the government is telling us women that we will go to prison for up to 10 years if we don’t wear a hijab. What next? A death penalty for defying the new hijab law?”
Mahsa Amini’s Tragic Death
This crackdown comes one year after the death of Mahsa Amini, 22, who was detained for allegedly wearing the Islamic headscarf incorrectly and died in custody, reportedly after being beaten by police.
Amini’s death sparked the largest wave of widespread unrest in Iran in years, with mass protests taking over the streets.
The proposed prison sentences for the new law are comparable to those for serious crimes such as murder and drug trafficking, shocking many, including Iranian human rights lawyer Hossein Raeesi.
The hijab and chastity bill outlines punishments like more than 60 lashes, hefty fines, and extended prison terms.
Critics, including UN Human Rights Council-appointed experts, argue that the bill aims to “suppress women and girls into total submission.”
Gender Segregation Widens
The draft law escalates “gender segregation” in universities, hospitals, parks, and workplaces.
Critics see it as an attempt to “erase women from society,” echoing the experiences of Afghan women under the Taliban.
Iran’s powerful Guardian Council, led by a 97-year-old cleric, Ahmad Jannati, is currently reviewing the new law.
The Council ensures the law aligns with Islamic principles before it returns to parliament.
If endorsed, the bill could come into effect as early as October, as reported by Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA).
Iran invests heavily in smart cameras with facial recognition technology, triggering concerns among security and women’s rights activists.
Mass Gathering Alerts
These cameras are said to be capable of alerting authorities to large gatherings of people, raising fears of government surveillance.
In Mahsa Amini’s hometown, Saqqez, security forces intensify checkpoints to detain women not complying with the dress code and those preparing to protest.
Protesters plan to take to the streets on September 16, marking the anniversary of Amini’s death.
Demonstrators aim to reach the graves of protesters killed by security forces over the past year.
The post “Gender Apartheid” Un Calls for Iran to Reverse Hijab Law That Could Put Women and Businesses Behind Bars first appeared on Pulse of Pride.
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Source: TheGuardian
