Continued 'Suppression of Optional Hijab' in Iran; Interior Minister's Appreciation for Government Forces

As the 'suppression of optional hijab' continues in Iran and confrontations between women and officials occur in the streets, the Interior Minister of the Islamic Republic praised his forces' efforts, while the Attorney General stated that no legal cases would be formed against 'unveiled' women. According to Khabar Online, Ahmad Vahidi, the Interior Minister, considered the hijab issue in the Islamic Republic as a cornerstone of the regime's identity and stated that it should not be allowed for 'malicious norm-breaking by enemy agents who seek to undermine legal and religious decrees in the country' to be easy and possible. He praised the performance of the 'FARAJA' forces in confronting freedom-seeking women, claiming that 'during the recent implementation period, most citizens who were warned about their attire cooperated very well, and only a handful of individuals intended to break norms and disrupt public order, who have been referred to judicial authorities.' Meanwhile, the Attorney General stated: 'Many women who do not observe the legal hijab are the children of this land and our daughters and sisters who have made mistakes and have been deceived.' Mohammad Kazem Mohammadi Azad added: 'We do not intend to create legal cases for the women of this country, and after a warning and commitment, the individual returns home. Most women also take action to correct their attire after being warned.' Hamshahri Online, the news organ of the Tehran municipality, published a report on Saturday, April 1, showing that the police in Bushehr are giving headscarves to several 'unveiled' women. This media outlet explained: 'In this video, you can see the commendable behavior of the Bushehr police with unveiled women and girls.' On the other hand, published images show that the Tehran municipality has installed banners throughout the city stating: 'Observing hijab where public services are provided by the municipality is essential.' Meanwhile, images shared on social media indicate that government forces are behaving violently towards women who have chosen optional attire. This violence has been protested by a significant number of Iranians, including those who adhere to Islam. Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, in his Eid al-Fitr sermon on Wednesday, April 22, issued a new command to the 'commanders of good,' whom he had previously described as 'fire at will,' asking them to 'deal with religious norm-breaking.' Hours after this order from Ali Khamenei, the police command announced that it would implement a plan to confront women's optional hijab starting Saturday, April 25. Amnesty International, in a report published in Esfand 1402, stated: 'Iranian authorities are trying to eliminate resistance against mandatory hijab following the nationwide protests of 'Women, Life, Freedom,' aiming to instill fear in women and girls, disrupting their daily lives and causing severe psychological distress.' Students at Amir Kabir University in Tehran were prevented from entering on the pretext of not wearing mandatory hijab. The prevention of students from entering Amir Kabir University on the pretext of hijab, filming and harassing women under the guise of hijab in Babol, ambiguity regarding the leader's opposition or support for dealing with the hijab issue, the 'Hijab and Chastity' bill was a reaction to the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement; an interview with Leili Pourzand, preventing students from entering Polytechnic Tehran; 'Noor' plan has reached universities, summoning students due to activity on social networks, the continuation of threats against women despite widespread protests; FARAJA: 'Noor' plan continues powerfully, Shirin Ebadi calls for international action to support women in Iran, the Iranian Retirees Council: the Islamic Republic has declared war against women, life, and freedom.