Iranian Writers Association and Civil Activists Condemn Mandatory Hijab Law

The Iranian Writers Association, along with over 240 social, cultural, and political activists and 157 student activists, condemned the Islamic Republic's mandatory hijab law, known as the 'Chastity and Hijab' law, in separate statements and called for its immediate repeal. In its statement on Friday, December 14, the Iranian Writers Association emphasized that 'women will not retreat from the path of equality and freedom' and described the 'Chastity and Hijab' law as 'a detailed depiction of the regime's animosity towards women and a display of repression and restriction of freedom.' This civil organization regarded the recently passed law by the Islamic Consultative Assembly as a 'formal declaration of war' that 'has been ongoing against women for the past forty-plus years.' Part of the statement reads: 'Now the demand for freedom of dress and women's equality, as an important part of the fragmented image of freedom, is intertwined with all demands for justice and freedom. Many men now believe that 'the freedom of women is a measure of the freedom of society,' and the demands of women are seen as the demands of the entire society.' The Iranian Writers Association, emphasizing women's leadership in the struggle and the continued support of society for them, asked the Islamic Republic: 'What force can push back women who have collectively and individually paid significant personal, financial, and social costs in the pursuit of equality and freedom?' At the same time, over 240 social, cultural, and political activists criticized the imposition of the mandatory hijab law, stating: 'Iranian women can no longer endure humiliation and discrimination.' These activists wrote: 'We condemn any decree or action that exacerbates the deteriorating conditions of crisis and insecurity, believing it will lead to failure and are certain of its counterproductive results, and we demand the immediate repeal of this 'legalization process that disrupts security and justice,' especially concerning the honorable realm of the lion-hearted women of Iran.' They summarized the 'critical situation' in Iran and the region, including 'a 30% increase in the population living below the poverty line due to harsh sanctions,' 'the vicious cycle of inflation and economic imbalances,' 'the flood of migration of youth and specialists in recent years,' 'the rampant corruption of sanction profiteers,' 'the statistics of about one million children out of school,' 'the ongoing protests of teachers and workers over their livelihoods,' and 'the increasing dissatisfaction of the people with social-economic insecurities, air pollution, and environmental issues,' stating: 'Now, amidst the chaos of crises, the approval of the so-called Chastity and Hijab law by representatives elected with minimal public votes (30% nationwide and 15% in Tehran) is raised against the majority of a nation that has not yet forgotten the pain of Mahsa.' These social, cultural, and political activists warned: 'Today, it is not only women who can no longer endure humiliation and discrimination, but the majority of society can no longer tolerate injustice; let there be no more costs for a nation that has always protested in various forms and peacefully.' This statement was signed by activists such as Ali Rajai, Ali Hikmat, Eisa Saharkhiz, Tahereh Taleghani, Parvaneh Salahshouri, Ehsan Shariati, Keyvan Samimi, Abolfazl Ghadiani, Mohammad Hossein Karroubi, Fatemeh Ghoorayi, Fakhr al-Sadat Mohtashami Pour, Saeed Madani, Badr al-Sadat Mofidi, Mehdi Nasiri, and Hassan Yousofi Ashkouri. On the other hand, 157 current and former student activists issued a statement condemning the Chastity and Hijab law, deeming it a 'clear violation of women's dignity and fundamental rights' aimed at 'institutionalizing greater control over society by the regime.' The statement noted: 'Two years have passed since the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement and the daily resistance of Iranian women for the right to choose their dress; a resistance that has stood against the regime's direct and indirect repressions and has shown that collective will can break the wall of repression.' These student activists reminded: 'This law, passed in a parliament that does not have the majority of the people's votes, is a clear sign of the regime's desperation in advancing its policies.' They wrote: 'These policies not only exacerbate social crises but also impose increasing economic pressures on the people. In a situation where society is facing issues such as inflation, unemployment, and reduced purchasing power, this law, with its heavy fines and restrictions, deepens the crises instead of solving them.' The statement continued: 'While condemning the Chastity and Hijab law, we emphasize that this law does not provide solutions to social and cultural issues but is itself a factor in exacerbating crises. We insist on the right to freedom of choice and human dignity and declare that we reserve our right to peaceful civil protest and will not rest until we achieve our rights and freedoms.' The mandatory hijab law, known as 'Chastity and Hijab,' has faced widespread domestic and international criticism. So far, UN experts, Amnesty International, and many others, including filmmakers, journalists, and civil, political, and student activists, have protested the approval of this law and called for its immediate repeal. The mandatory hijab is one of the imposed policies of the Islamic Republic in Iran, which has faced protests from women since its inception but has manifested more broadly in various forms of civil resistance since the widespread protests of 2022.