Closure of 'Golshan' Cinema in Mashhad Due to Patrons' 'Improper Hijab'

On Saturday, June 6, Iranian media reported the closure of the 'Golshan' cinema in Mashhad, located in the 'Armitazh' commercial tower, under the pretext of 'patrons not adhering to hijab regulations.' According to ILNA news agency, citing Farzin Jirani, the manager of Golshan cinema, the closure was due to an event held at the cinema where some attendees were seen without hijabs. Jirani criticized this decision, stating, 'A few people took photos of women without hijabs at the event, and the publication of these photos led to the cinema's closure.' He noted that this closure comes at a time when 'the hijab situation in other cinemas in Mashhad... and indeed all of Iran has become similar.' Since the beginning of the year 1402 in the Iranian calendar, the Islamic Republic has resorted to closing commercial establishments to deal with women who refuse to comply with mandatory hijab laws. One of the most unprecedented actions by the government was the demolition of street cafes in the second phase of Ekbatan town. In late May of this year, Iranian officials demolished several street cafes that had been operating in Ekbatan for the past ten years, citing 'municipal issues.' Additionally, social media users reported that the attacks on the cafes by government forces, including 'Basijis,' began after the protests following the death of Mahsa Amini. They noted that on the same day the cafes were demolished, 'security forces wearing black helmets and masks' were present to avoid identification. The ongoing struggle over mandatory hijab; the closure of business units in Iran continues. The closure of business centers continues alongside the discussion of the necessity of hijab for men. Iranian women's refusal to wear mandatory hijab; officials are busy closing establishments. The crackdown on opponents of mandatory hijab; the closure of the 'Diplomat Center' and the summons of Shiraz marathon officials. Civil resistance against mandatory hijab; 'Opal' reopened, 'House of Friends' closed. Concerns of the Islamic Republic officials about the increase in 'civil resistance' against mandatory hijab in the summer. The Basij Organization designed special clothing for female vendors. The prosecutor's office in Qeshm seized a boat due to 'mixed-gender recreational activities of tourists.' Reactions to the demolition of street cafes; combating subcultures and 'retaliation' against protests in Ekbatan. Two bookstores in Rasht and Babolsar were closed due to 'customers' improper hijab.'