Mesbah: Internet and Mobile Phones as Causes of Price Gouging and Poor Hijab Conditions

Mohammad Taqi Mesbah Yazdi, a member of Iran's Assembly of Experts, expressed concern over what he describes as the "spread of anomalies," attributing the issues of "poor hijab" and "price gouging" to the "highest factor" being the internet and mobile phones. According to Rasa News Agency, Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi referred to the cultural situation in the country as "worrisome" on Tuesday, September 30, and warned against what he termed the "spread of anomalies." He stated, "If someone compares the situation of the early revolution with now, they will certainly be surprised by the poor hijab, price gouging, and other issues." He added that the "highest factor" contributing to these societal problems is the internet and mobile phones, which have had many negative effects over the years. Previously, Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, described "chastity and hijab" as "an internal issue like fasting," questioning whether one can force someone to fast. Mesbah Yazdi emphasized that those who are close to the events in the country may not perceive the ugliness of the situation as it develops gradually, but a person who sees Iran after many years will feel the difference compared to previous years. Despite the Iranian government's promises to increase internet speed and accessibility, several conservative clerics in Iran have expressed concern over the increased speed of the internet and the impacts of cyberspace and mobile social networks. Meanwhile, Ahmad Alamolhoda, the Friday prayer leader of Mashhad, stated at the annual conference of cyber center managers that cyberspace has become the "definite and main battlefield" against the Islamic Republic, as he claims, by "enemies." The arrest and suppression of cyber activists continue in Iran, with two bloggers recently detained. According to Fars News Agency, he noted that in some cases, filtering has not achieved the "desired impact," stressing that "we must seize cyberspace rather than be overwhelmed by its influence." Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, on Saturday, September 14, outlined missions for the newly appointed members of the Supreme Council of Cyberspace, including "purifying cyberspace," "accelerating the establishment of a national information network," and "preventing cultural and social harms."