Comparison of Monetary Penalties for Violating Mandatory Hijab and Drug Trafficking

In the recently approved mandatory hijab law known as 'Chastity and Hijab' by the Islamic Consultative Assembly, various penalties have been established for what is termed 'bad hijab', 'unveiling', and 'nudity or semi-nudity'; penalties that include monetary fines, professional and social deprivation, vehicle confiscation, and even imprisonment. The Open Data of Iran database published a report on Monday, December 10, comparing the monetary penalties set in this law with the monetary penalties for drug trafficking – considered one of the most severe offenses under Iranian criminal law. According to Articles 37 to 49 of the so-called 'Chastity and Hijab' law, the monetary penalties for failing to comply with the mandatory hijab as per the Islamic Republic are as follows: The fine for what the mandatory hijab law calls 'bad hijab' is between 6 to 24 million tomans for the first offense, and between 24 to 50 million tomans for repeat offenses. These figures are nearly double the monetary penalty for carrying half a kilogram of opium. Additionally, for what is termed 'unveiling', which refers to optional hijab by girls and women, the fine is also between 6 to 24 million tomans for the first offense, and between 24 to 50 million tomans for repeat offenses. After four repeat offenses, the fine will be between 100 to 150 million tomans, equivalent to the monetary penalty for carrying 25 kilograms of opium. In the Islamic Republic's mandatory hijab law, the penalty for what is termed 'nudity' is set at between 100 to 150 million tomans for the first offense and between 150 to 280 million tomans for repeat offenses. This amount is equivalent to the monetary penalty for carrying 38 kilograms of opium. The Open Data of Iran noted that, thus, it appears that according to the Islamic Republic's perspective, failing to comply with the mandatory hijab is considered more dangerous than drug trafficking. Amnesty International: The mandatory hijab law exacerbates the oppression of women. Concerns from the Medical Government about 'civil disobedience' if the 'Chastity and Hijab' law is implemented. Dozens of journalists declared their 'firm opposition' to the mandatory hijab law. A group of students: The student community will not comply with the mandatory hijab plan. A statement from hundreds of Iranian filmmakers denying the 'hijab law': It is an insult to Iranians. Institutions and civil activists: The mandatory hijab law is in conflict with children's rights. Filmmakers: The mandatory hijab law is a 'full-scale war against the people of Iran.'