Imams Appointed by Khamenei Attack Optional Dress Code and Nowruz Celebrations Again

On the second Friday of the new year, the Friday prayer leaders appointed by Ali Khamenei focused their speeches on attacking the optional dress code for women and men, urging their audiences to confront the 'unveiled' and defend the 'values of the regime.' Alireza A'arafi, representative of the Supreme Leader in Qom, described the choice of dress by the people as a plot by the 'enemy' and stated: 'Today, the enemy has targeted hijab as a symbol of religious values and the banner of divine values, and this unveiling is neither normal nor conventional; however, the lovers of the regime understand this enmity, stand firm on the ideals of the regime, and will defend its lofty values.' Alinour Karimi Tabar, Khamenei's representative in Ilam province, severely criticized the celebration of Nowruz by men and women from this province and the grand celebration of 'Nowruzgah,' saying: 'The joy of the people must be within the framework of Sharia and the regime's laws, but at this ceremony, the enemies of the revolution, dressed like the guerrillas of PJAK and opposition groups, led the dancing in the province, effectively targeting hijab, chastity, modesty, and honor, which should be dealt with by the judiciary.' Hossein Abdollahi, the Friday prayer leader of Dezful in Khuzestan province, also deemed the recreation, joy, and celebration of Nowruz in this city as 'intolerable,' stating: 'The events that occurred recently in tourist sites have hurt the hearts of all people and the families of martyrs; soon, as the weather warms, the heads of tourism tours will appear in Chahalkandi from the tourist spots of Dezful, so the people should not relent in asserting their rights, and officials must take deterrent action against the norm-breakers.' However, evidence shows that despite the opposition and confrontation of the Islamic Republic officials with freedom, joy, and Iranian traditions, people in the year 1403, despite increasing economic problems, have celebrated their customs with more grandeur and respect, striving to bring joy and freedom to themselves and their fellow compatriots despite all governmental restrictions and threats.