Response of the Editor-in-Chief of 'Etemad' to the Conviction of the Newspaper; Laws Related to Women Cannot Be Confidential

The newspaper 'Etemad' reacted to its conviction for publishing a directive from the Ministry of Interior regarding hijab on January 26, stating in an article titled 'Its Crime Was Revealing News': 'When a law concerns the people and its audience is the women of the country, this law should not be declared confidential.' The editor-in-chief of 'Etemad' emphasized that 'the confidential stamp in Iran has been diluted.' In today's issue, the newspaper published the defense text of the lawyer of 'Etemad' in court in response to the verdict of the 'jury' against the newspaper. The lawyer of 'Etemad' called for the impeachment of the Minister of Interior, stating that what should have been done was 'the impeachment of the Minister of Interior, not the trial of the newspaper Etemad.' Part of the newspaper's defense states: 'The publication of the directive followed the statements of the Minister of Interior and his untruthful remarks regarding the lack of legislative and structural backing and the spontaneous nature of this movement.' Mohammad Jalilian referred to the Minister of Interior's statements after criticism of the presence of 'hijab enforcers' in the streets and metro stations, where he said, 'We did not give any special permission for this. In fact, under the title of enjoining good and forbidding wrong, apparently, grassroots groups are acting and their work is within this framework.' The newspaper 'Etemad' had previously reported on December 5 that 'the activities of hijab enforcers are based on a directive issued by the Ministry of Interior in June.' Behrouz Behzadi, the editor-in-chief of 'Etemad', criticized the court proceedings, stating that when the spokesperson of the jury speaks to media outlets such as 'Fars', 'ISNA', and 'Tasnim' after the trial, it is clear what 'the ideological and political orientation of these friends is.' On January 25, 'Etemad' was found guilty for publishing a 'confidential' letter from the Ministry of Interior under the headline 'Behind the Scenes of Hijab Enforcers.' The spokesperson for the 'jury' announced that the charges against Behrouz Behzadi included spreading falsehoods and publishing official and confidential documents on December 5 under the title 'Behind the Scenes of Hijab Enforcers.' The Tehran Prosecutor's Office filed a complaint against 'Etemad' on December 5 for publishing a 'confidential document', leading to a legal case against the newspaper. The published document pertained to the Ministry of Interior's directive regarding dealing with 'improper hijab'. The composition of the jury that plays a role in press courts in the Islamic Republic bears no resemblance to the standards of an impartial jury that represents various segments of society; it is a composition handpicked by governmental institutions and is always close to government-affiliated movements. The continued contradictions of officials regarding hijab enforcers and the institution responsible for them; report by Afshar Sigarchi. The riddle of 'hijab enforcers' in the Islamic Republic; they operate under the supervision of the IRGC and Basij. The hijab blade over the media; the newspaper 'Etemad' was found guilty. Increasing criticisms of vehicle confiscation under the pretext of 'improper hijab'; legal experts: it is not compatible with legal standards. Closure of 11 businesses in Isfahan for offering unconventional foreign clothing. Requests from two lawyers to annul the 'confidential' hijab resolution; the Minister of Interior: anyone who obstructs is 'criminal'. The margins of a 'confidential' letter; when you lie, how can people believe the story of Armita?