Khamenei's Representative in Kayhan Calls for Replacement of 'Hijab and Chastity Bill' with 'Noor Plan'

The representative of Ali Khamenei in Kayhan newspaper urged the Guardian Council to cancel the 'Hijab and Chastity Bill' due to the increased instances of 'unveiling' since its drafting, asserting that the 'Noor Plan' has been successful in addressing 'unveiling'. The editor-in-chief of Kayhan expressed serious concerns that, similar to how the JCPOA doubled sanctions instead of lifting them, the Hijab and Chastity Bill could exacerbate the issue of unveiling rather than preventing it. Shari'atmadari pointed out that there are questionable aspects in the Hijab and Chastity Bill that cast serious doubts on its effectiveness. He criticized the bill for potentially hindering the continuation of the 'Noor Plan', which he described as the only successful initiative in the past year. Shari'atmadari also expressed concern over a provision in the controversial Hijab bill that emphasizes the regulation of police, arguing that it restricts police action against 'unveiling', which he considers a 'visible crime' that requires immediate intervention. The 'Noor Plan' has become a highly controversial topic targeting women and girls in Iran, with reports of detainees describing the officers' words as akin to 'assault'. In response to the criticisms surrounding the Noor Plan, the commander of the Islamic Republic's police announced that the plan would move towards modernization. Ahmadreza Radan also vowed to continue the plan and confront individuals seeking basic rights and the choice of hijab. Ali Khamenei, in a speech on Eid al-Fitr, instructed 'promoters of virtue' to address religious violations. Hours after Khamenei's directive, the police announced the implementation of the plan against women's optional clothing. Since the plan's implementation in various cities, numerous reports and images have surfaced showing violent behavior from government agents towards citizens resisting mandatory hijab. The 'Guidance Patrol' or 'Noor Plan' is seen as a government propaganda show to enforce mandatory hijab and intimidate the public. Support from various pillars of the Islamic Republic for the so-called Noor Plan indicates a renewed effort to suppress women. A protest by 61 lawyers stated that actions against women opposing mandatory hijab violate the law and public freedoms. Activist Zartosht Ahmadinejad criticized the militarization of Iran and the government's 'war' on women, asserting that they will not remain silent. Numerous civil activists and political prisoners claim that the government's war against women's hair aims to create a climate of fear among the populace. Another narrative of the Noor Plan suggests that officers also 'assault' verbally against opponents of mandatory hijab. The Deputy Speaker of Parliament defended the 'correct path of the Noor Plan', while Prince Reza Pahlavi labeled it as 'organized assault' against women.