Hijab Monitors: 'Spontaneous' Groups Operating Under the Supervision of the IRGC and Basij; Interior Ministry's Support for Hijab Monitors

The mystery of the hijab monitors has finally been solved, as the secretary of the 'Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice Headquarters' has revealed that these groups, which the Minister of Interior referred to as 'popular' and 'spontaneous,' operate under the supervision of the IRGC and Basij and have received training at the 'Promotion of Virtue Headquarters' before taking to the streets. The Interior Ministry has reiterated its support for them today. According to news sources, the secretary of the 'Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice Headquarters' criticized the controversies surrounding these forces present in the city, stating, 'What does it mean to talk about having or not having a permit?' Mohammad Hossein Taheri Akhardi announced the presence of 'verbal warning' groups in various parts of Tehran, including Vali Asr, Enghelab, and Ferdowsi squares, coordinated with various agencies such as the IRGC, Basij, police, municipality, and judiciary, and that they had received necessary training at 'this headquarters' before going to the streets. This official stated that 'according to reports received, the number of verbal warning individuals exceeds 2,850 revolutionary and jihadist forces who are engaged in activities for the sake of God.' The secretary of the 'Promotion of Virtue' stated that 'if society becomes polluted, everyone becomes polluted,' and warned that 'in Islamic culture, there is no such thing as indifference,' and no one should be indifferent. These statements indicate a kind of 'show of force' by 'self-appointed' groups on the streets and a more prominent presence in the future. To prevent protests and future controversies, the Interior Ministry has taken the initiative and announced its support for 'those who promote virtue and prevent vice.' The Minister of Interior has effectively issued a public permit, stating that 'promoting virtue and preventing vice is a communal duty and has a general and legal permit and does not require a special permit.' Ahmad Vahidi also stated that officials are obliged to take necessary measures and implement plans to enforce hijab in places like the metro and offices. The unveiling of a new phase of hijab monitors' activities and confirmation that they are fully organized and trained to be present on the streets comes at a time when Alireza Zakani, the mayor of Tehran, and Ahmad Vahidi, the Minister of Interior, had recently emphasized that no permit had been issued for them and that these individuals are 'spontaneous.' These statements have sparked significant reactions among the media and the public. Mostafa Faghihi, a journalist and owner of the news website 'Entekhab,' refuted the claim of the hijab monitors being 'spontaneous,' sarcastically addressing Iranian officials, saying, 'I wish these stubborn gentlemen had explained to the hijab monitors beforehand; otherwise, they wouldn't have revealed where their contract is with these organized 'spontaneous' individuals!' In this context, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom announced on November 20 that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Taliban in Afghanistan violate individuals' freedom to wear clothing according to their religion or beliefs by enforcing mandatory hijab laws. This commission emphasized that protesters against severe human rights violations in the Islamic Republic face repression, including executions, sexual assault, torture, and mass arrests.