Contradictions Among Officials Regarding the 'Spontaneous' Nature of Hijab Enforcers; Enforcement of 'Mandatory Hijab' Regulations Continues

The Islamic Republic's insistence on continuing the violation of Iranian women's civil rights through the violent enforcement of mandatory hijab regulations has been accompanied by contradictions from some government officials. Abdolhossein Khosrowpanah, the Secretary of the Supreme Cultural Revolution Council, acknowledged in an interview with the analytical news site Entekhab, published on Friday, December 22, the 'central role of the Chastity and Hijab Headquarters' in 'coordination with the Ministry of Interior' in the ongoing suppression of opponents of mandatory hijab. According to this official, within the framework of 'enjoining good and forbidding wrong rationally... some are using soft technology to implement this method in Enghelab Square, Vali Asr Intersection, and Shohada Square, and they have actually received results.' The Secretary of the Supreme Cultural Revolution Council added: 'These movements are not spontaneous but are centered around the Chastity and Hijab Headquarters and coordinated with the Ministry of Interior.' This admission by the government official regarding the Islamic Republic's direct role in the continued suppression of opponents of mandatory hijab and the non-spontaneity of these actions contradicts earlier claims made by Alireza Zakani, the Mayor of Tehran, who had stated that the establishment of 'Hijab Enforcers' in the capital's metro stations was 'completely spontaneous' and 'done by the people.' The Mayor further claimed that the municipality could not prevent individuals from 'enjoining good and forbidding wrong.' A few days after Zakani's claims, his deputy, Mohsen Hormazi, also claimed in an interview with the Ham Mihan newspaper that 'the issue of enjoining good and forbidding wrong is carried out by the people.' These claims by the Mayor and his deputy came despite published images indicating the widespread and organized presence of so-called 'Hijab Enforcers' and individuals photographing the public. These actions align with the provisions of a 'confidential' letter from the Ministry of Interior, which was published by the Etemad newspaper on Sunday, December 26. Part of the published document stated that owners and managers of recreational centers, malls, and large commercial centers are required to employ 'suitably qualified individuals' to prevent the entry of unveiled and norm-breaking individuals. It was also mandated that individuals breaking norms within the center be photographed with installed cameras, and in the absence of cameras, 'agents' should take photographs. However, a month after the claims made by the Mayor and his deputy, Mohsen Aghili, the head of the country's airport police, stated on Friday, December 22, 'If someone does not have complete hijab, we are unable to provide services to them until they comply with hijab regulations.' Additionally, some reports indicate that the central branch of the City Bookstore in Tehran was closed due to the presence of 'unveiled' customers. One year and three months after the death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini in the custody of the Islamic Republic's morality police and the beginning of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests, which were met with deadly repression of protesters, the Iranian government continues to insist on the violent enforcement of its policy against the right of Iranian women to choose their attire. However, it seems that the government officials' attempts to justify the violent implementation of this policy, which many domestic and international human rights bodies consider a violation of civil rights and misogynistic, have at times led them to contradict each other. Sara Masoumi, a critical journalist, was sentenced to imprisonment and fines. Nine prominent Iranian political activists condemned mandatory hijab and discrimination against women in Iran. A doctor opposing mandatory hijab reported his 'definite expulsion' from Babol University of Medical Sciences. The Ministry of Education and the 'Fashion and Clothing Working Group' held a 'brainstorming' session to promote hijab. The Tehran City Council stated that Hijab Enforcers are under the supervision of the 'Cultural Metro Group.' Narges Mohammadi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, stated that the Islamic Republic is 'alien to the Iranian people' and 'anti-woman.' Britain sanctioned five Islamic Republic officials in relation to 'enforcement of mandatory hijab.' Exclusive: Souri Babaei Chaghini, a jailed civil activist, was summoned to court on new charges. Sepideh Roshno, after receiving a definitive prison sentence, stated that being convicted for having hair is 'utter nonsense.' The head of the Women and Society Think Tank noted that the unveiling has increased from 'the affluent neighborhoods of Tehran' to 'the villages of the country.'