Government Media Attack on Opponents of Mandatory Hijab with New Allegations; 'Hypocrite', 'Promoter of Corruption', 'Unforgivable'

The news of the '1.5 million toman fine for Pantea Bahram and Katayoun Riahi' ignited the media artillery of the 'principlist' faction, ultimately forcing the judiciary to respond and announce that these fines relate to past cases of 'unveiling' that have recently led to sentencing. Accordingly, the 'Mizan' news agency, affiliated with the judiciary, announced that a new case of 'unveiling' has been opened against these two individuals under the title 'offending public decency', which has recently resulted in an indictment. The 'Javan' newspaper, linked to the IRGC, attempted to approach the issue from a new angle, suggesting that some are 'fabricating cases' against these artists. According to this newspaper, the actors who have 'unveiled', including Katayoun Riahi, Baran Kowsari, and Hengameh Ghaziani, are 'hypocrites' because they previously acted in 'value-oriented films.' In this context, the 'Hamshahri' newspaper also wrote that the charge of 'unveiling' against the 'respected celebrity' stems from a 'miscalculation'. Essentially, 'the accusation against these individuals is not unveiling but rather promoting and disseminating corruption.' Some representatives have also reacted to this issue, with Ali Yazdikhah, a member of parliament, threatening actors by stating that 'some celebrities have broken norms and are in harmony with the enemies of the people.' He also emphasized that these individuals have unveiled in line with 'collaboration with the enemies of God's religion' and are 'unforgivable'. Previously, Masoud Setayesh, the spokesperson for the judiciary, also emphasized 'decisive action' against artists with optional hijab regarding the cases of Afsaneh Bayegan and Fatemeh Motamed-Arya, stating: 'Following the report from the law enforcement agency, the cases of these citizens are in the preliminary investigation stage and are under review.' A few days ago, Rasoul Flahati, the Friday prayer leader of Rasht and representative of the Supreme Leader in Gilan province, expressed his disdain for all girls who did not adhere to hijab at the closing ceremony of the Children's Theater Festival of Sacrifice in Rasht. Since the onset of nationwide protests last year, following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody, many artists have appeared in public without hijab in solidarity with protesters and against mandatory hijab. Some of these artists, including Taraneh Alidoosti, were arrested and imprisoned for a period. A larger number of them have also been summoned to the prosecutor's office, and legal cases have been opened against them. Despite the increasing strictness regarding mandatory hijab, daily images and reports from various cities in Iran indicate the civil resistance of Iranian women against the threats from the Islamic Republic officials. The Islamic Republic is seeking more support for the 'fire-at-will' advocates of mandatory hijab. Resistance of women against two women giving mandatory hijab warnings on a bus. Summer of 'resistance' is on the way; the Islamic Republic wants mandatory hijab. The spokesperson for the judiciary announced the submission of a 9-article bill regarding 'hijab and chastity' to the government. Legal cases have been opened against Baran Kowsari and Shaghayegh Dehghan due to their opposition to mandatory hijab.