The 'Mehr and Mah' Complex in Qom Closed Following Clash Over Mandatory Hijab

The commercial and tourism complex 'Mehr and Mah' near Qom was closed following the resistance of citizens and shopkeepers against 'promoters of virtue' and the ensuing clashes over mandatory hijab. Fars News Agency, affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards, claimed on Sunday, April 6, that the temporary closure of the complex was 'decided by the managers of the complex.' The Mehr News Agency, linked to the Islamic Propagation Organization, also claimed that the manager of the complex 'decided to close for two days to correct procedures.' It is unclear whether the complex has been sealed or not, and no response has been reported from its managers. Recently, a video circulated on social media showing shopkeepers in the complex clashing with individuals known as 'promoters of virtue' over hijab reminders. Meanwhile, Mohammad Karbasi, the secretary of the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice Headquarters in Qom, labeled the shopkeepers involved in the clashes as 'criminals' and threatened that the headquarters 'will definitely pursue this matter.' The 'Mehr and Mah' complex is located at kilometer 6 of the Qom-Tehran highway and reportedly employs about 700 people in two shifts. With the implementation of the 'hijab law' postponed, some supporters of the Islamic Republic staged a sit-in for over forty days in front of the Islamic Consultative Assembly. Security forces ended the sit-in of mandatory hijab defenders in front of the parliament. After the conclusion of this sit-in, which several parliament members claimed the protesters were paid for, further reports emerged about the presence of 'promoters of virtue' in commercial and recreational centers. On Sunday, the prosecutor of Kashmar also reported the sealing of a reception hall in the city due to 'holding mixed ceremonies.' Ismail Baluchzadeh, the public and revolutionary prosecutor of Kashmar, cited the reason for sealing the hall as 'holding mixed ceremonies and engaging in behavior contrary to public decency' and stated that 'orders have been issued for the summons and arrest of the initiators and participants of this ceremony.' Despite the pressures and government crackdowns that have intensified especially after the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests, civil disobedience by Iranian women against mandatory hijab has continued.