Amnesty International: The Islamic Republic Must End Its 'War on Women' in Iran and Repeal Mandatory Hijab Laws

Amnesty International has called on the Islamic Republic to end the punishment of Iranian women and girls for defying mandatory hijab laws by repealing these laws. In an open letter to the authorities of the Islamic Republic published on Wednesday, May 8, the organization also requested the unconditional release of all those detained for non-compliance with mandatory hijab laws. Amnesty International urged the Iranian authorities to disband the government forces responsible for enforcing mandatory hijab laws and hold accountable those involved in violating women's rights through the enforcement of these laws and regulations. The human rights organization referred to the nationwide campaign known as 'Noor Plan,' which human rights defenders and social media users have termed a 'war on women,' stating that violence against women for not adhering to mandatory hijab laws has intensified in recent weeks. It likened the harassment by officials who physically assault women and girls or violently force them into police vehicles to 'kidnapping.' Amnesty International added that women have also reported that Islamic Republic agents use electric shock devices during arrests, and they face unfair trials, vehicle confiscation, and fines. On the occasion of International Women's Day on March 8, the organization published a report citing testimonies from 46 individuals and examining official documents, including court rulings and prosecutor's orders, detailing the harassment and persecution of women and girls for exercising their rights to bodily autonomy and freedom of expression and belief by numerous government entities. The organization released excerpts from the testimonies of 20 individuals to illustrate what women and girls in Iran face daily. The crackdown on mandatory hijab laws intensified following the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police and subsequent nationwide protests. Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, in a speech on April 11 during the Eid al-Fitr prayer, issued a new command to the 'enforcers of virtue,' whom he had previously described as 'fire at will,' urging them to 'confront religious violations.' Hours after this directive from Khamenei, the police announced that they would implement a plan to combat women's optional dress starting Saturday, April 14. Since April 14, the Islamic Republic has deployed its police and plainclothes forces in various cities across Iran under the 'Noor Plan,' but despite widespread arrests, civil resistance continues. The intensification of strict enforcement of mandatory hijab laws has been met with widespread criticism from human rights organizations. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom also issued a statement in May, referring to the increasing repression of women and girls in Iran for 'defying' mandatory hijab laws, calling for further sanctions against Islamic Republic officials, including security officials. Raisi stated regarding mandatory hijab: 'The enemy seeks to remove modesty from our society.' Linking citizens' health to mandatory hijab; the Pharmacy Council: it is not feasible. A program expert stated: a person without hijab is not an opponent, but a nuisance. Two harassers confronted a woman due to her optional dress. Playing the daf without mandatory hijab in Azadi Square. The series of restrictions continues; women's entry to the stadium during the Persepolis vs. Nassaji match was banned. Clerics resorting to Iranian myths to justify mandatory hijab; Alimohammadi stated: hijab is reflected in Ferdowsi's Shahnameh. Field interviews with women's rights activists; 'We are not afraid of the war on hair; it empowers us.' A newspaper report; merchants dissatisfied with a 60% drop in sales due to the presence of the morality police.