Experts Criticize Court Rulings on Mandatory Hijab: Diagnosing Mental Disorders is Not Within a Judge's Authority

Four psychiatric and psychological associations in Iran criticized the referral of opponents of mandatory hijab to psychological centers in a letter to the head of the judiciary. In their letter addressed to Gholamhossein Mohseni Eje'i, published on Thursday, July 20, they referred to the rulings issued against at least two actresses and described the referral of individuals to psychological centers aimed at changing personal choices as 'contrary to the principle of autonomy.' The letter states: 'Diagnosing mental disorders is the responsibility of psychiatrists, not judges; just as diagnosing other illnesses is the responsibility of doctors, not judges.' Recently, two actresses, Afsoon Bayegan and Azadeh Samadi, were sentenced to mandatory visits to psychological centers for refusing to comply with the mandatory hijab. According to the ruling issued for Azadeh Samadi, this actress was sentenced to 'treatment for antisocial personality disorder.' Similarly, the court sentenced Afsoon Bayegan to treatment for 'mental illness of anti-family personality.' The four associations of specialists in psychiatry and psychology stated in their letter that diagnosing mental disorders is within the purview of psychiatrists and called for avoiding 'labeling individuals' behaviors with psychiatric diagnostic terms.' The signatories of this letter described the 'misuse of psychiatry/psychology' as having a 'long and regrettable history' and warned about the 'irreparable consequences' of 'using psychiatric diagnoses to punish individuals.' These scientific and professional institutions noted that such rulings violate the dignity of those targeted for humiliation and harm the social standing of many individuals suffering from mental health issues in society. This letter was signed by the heads of four specialized centers, including the Iranian Scientific Association of Psychiatrists, the Iranian Scientific Association of Psychosomatic Medicine, the Iranian Scientific Association of Psychotherapy, and the Iranian Psychological Association. The issuance of humiliating rulings against opponents of the mandatory hijab, including actresses, has also faced criticism from filmmakers. Following the recent sentencing of Azadeh Samadi to mandatory visits to a psychologist, filmmakers, directors, producers, and actors issued protest statements. The continued crackdown on opponents of the mandatory hijab; Afsoon Bayegan was sentenced to 'treatment for mental illness.' Filmmakers protested against the bizarre ruling of an actress; it is an insult to the intelligence of all cinema professionals. Punishment for opposing the mandatory hijab: 10 months in prison in Semnan for Leila Bolukat's hat. The Deputy Minister of Culture stated: cooperating with actors who have removed their hijab has consequences.