Continuation of 'Closure Therapy' in Iran Under the Pretext of 'Hijab'; A Lawyer: It Has Neither Religious Nor Legal Backing

The closure of shops, cafes, confectioneries, gyms, and more in various cities across Iran continues under the pretext of 'non-compliance with Islamic norms' and 'bad hijab.' In this context, the supervision department of the police in Hormozgan published a list of closed businesses in Bandar Abbas. Cafes such as Venice, Lian, Chubi, Bicycle, and a gym located on Northern Resalat Street were closed due to 'unveiling.' Reports from Qazvin indicate that a garden was closed for hosting a mixed-gender party. The Qazvin judiciary warned that violators of regulations and sacred law would face severe punishments. In Tehran, 'Jaz Cafe' was closed for what was described as 'non-compliance with Islamic norms.' According to a post on Instagram from this establishment, 'Jaz Cafe was closed due to non-compliance with Islamic norms.' Lawyer Kambez Noorouzi commented on the shop closures to the Jamaran news site, stating: 'In this hijab discussion, the behavior regarding shop closures has neither religious backing nor legal basis; it is rejected from both a jurisprudential and legal standpoint. But political currents are exerting pressure and carrying out these actions. What can the judiciary really do here?! This needs to be clarified.' Following the onset of nationwide protests last year in various cities across Iran after the death of Mahsa Amini in custody, opposition to religious laws such as mandatory hijab and attempts to change the type of governance have significantly increased civil disobedience among citizens, especially women, in public spaces and government offices for optional dress. In this context, in recent months, some military, judicial, governmental officials, and Friday prayer leaders of the Islamic Republic have called for severe measures and the denial of government services to 'unveiled women.' Resistance from a woman against a couple of harassers defending mandatory hijab in Shiraz continues. A member of parliament stated: 'This cannot be resolved with arrests and detentions.' The Public Culture Council's solution for promoting 'mandatory hijab' includes a clinic for addressing hijab-related misconduct. A sharp critique from a 'mujtahid' against Khamenei: 'With this economic situation, the cleric's turban will be trampled underfoot.' The Islamic Republic government is implementing a ranking of executive bodies based on the 'Hijab Law.'