American Senators on the Continued Suppression of Women in Iran: The Islamic Republic is a 'Terrible' Regime

In a statement reacting to the implementation of a new morality police plan known as 'Light Patrol', Amnesty International announced that the Iranian authorities have launched a 'war against women' in response to citizens' defiance of mandatory hijab laws. Republican Senator Todd Young said on Wednesday, May 8, to VOA reporter Shahla Arasteh, 'The Islamic Republic is led by a ruthless dictator who claims to rule in the name of God. We hope the people of Iran rise up once again and remove him from power.' Senator John Hoeven, another Republican senator, described the Islamic Republic as a 'terrible' regime whose leaders suppress the people while simultaneously exporting 'terrorism' around the world. In response to Shahla Arasteh's question regarding Amnesty International's mention of 'the use of torture and electric shocks on detained women', he stated, 'This is horrific; that is why not only the United States but countries around the world must continue to pressure the regime in power in Iran.' Senator Young emphasized that this pressure should include strong economic sanctions that help the people of Iran free themselves from this regime and bring about a government that truly serves their country. The 'Light Patrol' plan was implemented on April 14 across Iran, particularly in major cities, leading to a significant presence of police, Basij forces, and plainclothes agents to combat women who refuse to comply with mandatory hijab laws. This new round of street confrontations with women began after statements by Supreme Leader Khamenei regarding hijab, in which he claimed that the enemies of the revolution have 'hired women' to remove their hijabs and return the country to 'the pre-revolution state', obliging the government and judiciary to fulfill their 'religious and legal responsibilities regarding hijab'. Since April 14, the Islamic Republic has deployed its police and plainclothes forces in various cities, but despite widespread arrests, civil resistance continues. The intensified crackdown by Iranian officials on women to enforce mandatory hijab has faced widespread criticism from human rights organizations and international bodies. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom issued a statement in May, highlighting the increasing repression of women and girls in Iran due to 'defiance' of mandatory hijab laws, calling for further sanctions against Iranian officials, including security officials. In previous days, a police officer informed VOA that the plainclothes forces involved in the 'Light Patrol' are tasked with monitoring and filming agents to address potential 'rebellion' cases. Fariborz Karami-Zand, a former police officer, confirmed this narrative, stating that commanders of the police are aware that 'widespread discontent ultimately leads to rebellion'.