Reactions to the Government's Double Standards on Mandatory Hijab; Mahsa Amini's Mother: You Killed My Daughter for This

The contradictory behavior of the Islamic Republic officials regarding mandatory hijab and the exploitation of women deemed 'badly veiled' by the government during official events, such as the anniversary of the 1979 Revolution, has sparked reactions from social media users. One of the most significant reactions that attracted much attention on social media was the statement of Mojgan Ekhtiyari, the mother of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini, who on Monday, February 12, referred to the Islamic Republic's instrumental use of women without mandatory hijab at the February 22 rally, writing on Instagram, 'You killed my daughter for not wearing hijab.' Mojgan Ekhtiyari also published images of some women without hijab at the government rally marking the 1979 Revolution anniversary and left the judgment about this behavioral duality of the Islamic Republic officials to the people. Iranian state media, during various occasions, attempt to show that citizens with different ideological tendencies support the established government in Iran by publishing images of women who do not adhere to the Islamic Republic's approved dress code; a claim that is constantly challenged by protesters. Yaghma Fakhshami, a journalist, published an image of a woman without hijab and reminded a part of a report from the newspaper Javan, affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards, stating, 'Javan newspaper: Girls who are arrested at parties are different from girls who participate in the February 22 rally and may not have complete hijab. They are also at fault, but our approach and view towards these two must definitely differ. We see these individuals as religious, revolutionary, and on the path of truth.' Ali Saifi, a user on X, also published an image of another woman participating in the February 22 government event and wrote, 'No hijab discovery text message was sent to her, nor did hijab enforcers create a tunnel of terror for her. Hijab is a tool for this government.' Behrouz Azizi, a journalist, also referred to the publication of an image of another woman without hijab at this government event by the Mehr news agency, affiliated with the Islamic Propaganda Organization, saying, 'What things are not seen at the February 22 rally! Tomorrow if this lady comes with this attire, she will not be considered part of the people but rather a violator of norms.' Ali Ramazani, a user on X who introduced himself as a victim of the Iran-Iraq war, published a video of a woman without hijab holding a picture of Qassem Soleimani, the slain commander of the Quds Force of the Revolutionary Guards, and wrote, 'Gentlemen of the Principlist faction, the Stability Front, and the ailing Raisi government, how long will this duality last?!' Mohammad Farahani, who introduced himself as a 'war veteran,' also said, 'If the police see such a lady in my car, they will send me a hijab discovery text message, confiscate my car, and impose a lot of fines and costs on me. I will be out of work for two weeks. This is where I have the right to say damn these contradictory laws of your Stone Age.' A user named Amirali Nikzad also published an image of Mahsa Amini, hours before her death in the custody of the morality police, next to a photo of one of the participants at the 57th anniversary ceremony, writing, 'These contradictions have made people angry; which attire and hijab was weaker? Are you really concerned about hijab and Islam? You killed one and gave another a flag, soft drink, and reward.' Observers say that the 45th anniversary ceremony of the 57 Revolution did not have much momentum despite the government facilities and amenities. In contrast, opponents of the Islamic Republic held protests inside and outside Iran. Videos published on social media show that as the government celebration of the Islamic Revolution victory began, opponents chanted slogans such as 'Death to Khamenei' and 'Long live Reza Shah.' Outside Iran, opposition groups held protests against the Islamic Republic and executions in various cities around the world. Abram Paley, the Deputy Special Representative for Iran, released a video message on the anniversary of the 57 Revolution, addressing the people of Iran, stating that the U.S. will continue to support them in their struggle for a free and democratic future.