Amnesty International: The Hijab and Chastity Law Intensifies Injustice Against Iranian Women

Amnesty International states that the 'Hijab and Chastity' law passed by the Islamic Consultative Assembly further erases the rights of Iranian women and intensifies the oppression against them. In a statement on Tuesday, December 20, the organization announced that this law, which according to Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the Speaker of the Islamic Assembly, will be implemented from December 23, not only punishes women who refuse to comply with mandatory hijab but also allows agents and rogue forces to commit violence against women without fear of punishment. The statement mentions that this 74-article law imposes punishments such as flogging, hefty fines, long imprisonment, travel bans, and deprivation of education and employment for Iranian women who do not adhere to the Islamic Republic's dress code. Amnesty International described this law as 'shameful,' noting that it even includes penalties for private institutions and companies that refuse to enforce mandatory hijab. The organization further pointed out the increase and expansion of women's resistance against mandatory hijab following the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests, stating that under this law, any opposition to mandatory hijab, including sending hijab-free images to foreign media, could result in the death penalty under the charge of 'corruption on earth.' Amnesty International emphasized that 'the complex network of fines, prison sentences, and other severe punishments in this law indicates that the Islamic Republic is attempting to control women and girls through a policy of fear and economic pressure.' Diana Tahavi, Deputy Regional Director of Amnesty International for the Middle East and North Africa, stated that Iranian officials are trying to solidify the Islamic Republic's 'oppressive system' with this law, urging the international community to pressure Iranian officials to repeal this law and remove mandatory hijab from laws and practices. The Islamic Consultative Assembly approved the 'Hijab and Chastity' bill on September 20, 2023, a year after the death of Mahsa Zhina Amini in the custody of the morality police and the onset of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests, which included multiple heavy penalties for opponents of mandatory hijab after it was finalized in a special committee under Article 85 of the Constitution. The mentioned law has sparked opposition and protests from many human rights defenders and civil activists on social media. Nevertheless, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf stated on December 7 that the 'Hijab and Chastity' resolution will be announced on December 23, detailing the responsibilities of each agency regarding hijab enforcement. Amnesty International had previously described the approval of this law as 'a repugnant violation' of women's rights in Iran.