Member of the Assembly of Experts Calls for Action Against 'Unveiled Women'; Iran: Heavy Penalties Are on the Way

In continuation of the government's efforts to combat 'civil disobedience by women' and their use of 'optional dress', a member of the Assembly of Experts called for severe action against 'those who unveil'. Abbas Kabi regarded 'the system's will regarding chastity and hijab' as a preservation of this issue and stated: 'Some individuals are organized in pursuing disobedience and norm-breaking, implementing the enemy's agenda, and they must be dealt with.' The government-affiliated newspaper Iran reported details of the hijab bill, stating: 'In the hijab bill prepared by the Research Center of the Parliament, which is currently under review in the Judicial Commission, various penalties for norm-breaking celebrities have been proposed, including fines of up to 10% of total assets and up to 15 years of professional activity deprivation.' The newspaper added: 'In this plan, instead of arrests that have only resulted in the enemy exploiting the situation for propaganda against the country, heavy fines are proposed that will be automatically deducted from the accounts of violators.' The Tehran Municipality's news agency also urged the government to be 'responsible' in combating unveiled women. The newspaper Hamshahri criticized the 'disunity' of the decision-making system regarding hijab, stating: 'We now need sacrifice on important national issues. Sacrifice means standing by our votes and opinions, defending them, and striving to bring them to fruition.' This newspaper further criticized the 'government's evasion of its responsibilities' regarding the fight against 'unveiling', adding: 'There is a bitter narrative of deep suspicion towards the decision-making system; officials pass the issue around, and this disunity has prevented the matter from being pursued seriously.' Javaid Rehman, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran, stated on Thursday, July 30, that 'women and girls in Iran are facing the worst violations of their fundamental rights, which I call gender discrimination.' He also criticized the mandatory hijab law, stating that it is 'filled with violence and savagery and violates human dignity and rights.' The Islamic Republic's aim in limiting the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement is focused on the hijab issue. A member of the National Security Commission of the Parliament stated: 'No one is willing to accept responsibility for the Guidance Patrol.' Mandatory hijab has led to the closure of the administrative building of Digikala due to 'the hijab of female employees'. Narges Mohammadi stated: 'Women's defiance will break the authoritarian power of the religious government.' The judiciary has opened a case regarding the hijab of female employees at one of Digikala's sections. The head of the Judicial and Legal Commission of the Parliament stated: 'We will address the phenomenon of 'unveiling' with penalties and cultural discussions.'