Opposition to Mandatory Hijab; International Exhibitions in Qazvin Also Closed

ILNA reported that the permanent location of international exhibitions in Qazvin was closed due to the playing of 'vulgar' music and the 'unveiling' of some women. The closure occurred while an exhibition for bicycles, motorcycles, and spare parts was taking place. Hussein Rajabi, the public and revolutionary prosecutor of Qazvin, stated that 'vulgar' music was played in some booths of the exhibition and some visitors also engaged in 'unveiling.' He further announced that a legal case has been opened to address this issue, and the judiciary will deal with 'violators' without leniency. The public prosecutor also reported the closure of a prosthetic limb center due to 'unveiling' and 'disrespect by staff towards protesting patients.' The crackdown on businesses and the closure of shops and public places due to the presence of women without mandatory hijab has increased. These actions are occurring while some legal experts consider these measures 'illegal.' In recent months, dozens of businesses, tourist sites, and medical centers in various cities, including Kermanshah, Bushehr, Mashhad, Rasht, Kish, Abadan, Sirjan, Kerman, and Tehran, have been closed due to women's hijab violations. Additionally, since April 15 of this year, the Iranian police have implemented other measures, including vehicle confiscation, sending warning text messages, and identifying unveiled women through city-installed cameras and referring them to judicial authorities. However, many images of women in Iran are published daily, showing them going out with optional clothing. Majid Emami, the secretary of the Iranian Public Culture Council, stated two weeks ago that 'in Tehran, there is between 15 to 20 percent unveiling,' indicating that the number of women refusing to adhere to mandatory hijab is much larger than the government can handle in terms of enforcement and arrests. The increase in restrictions with the 'hijab plan' and 'chaste living' includes blocking national ID cards and depriving individuals of services. The Khwarizmi bookstore was closed; 'they want to confiscate this publication.' Mohsen Barahani stated: 'The government has become feudal.' A cultural heritage ministry official dismissed the director of a historical site, stating: 'Respect for religious principles is our red line.' The Golshan cinema complex in Mashhad was closed on the pretext of 'unveiling' by visitors.