Two Bookstores in Rasht and Babolsar Closed Due to 'Customer Hijab Violations'

Simultaneously with the Tehran International Book Fair, two bookstores in Rasht and Babolsar were sealed due to the presence of women opposing mandatory hijab. The Babolsar City Bookstore mentioned in an Instagram message that the reason provided by government agents was 'the failure of some customers to observe hijab.' Users on Instagram compared the sealing of businesses to the negative actions of the morality police and warned about the consequences. Azadeh Mokhtari, a journalist, referred to the sealing of businesses as 'seal-policing' in a Twitter note and described it as causing anger in society. The Ordibehesht Bookstore in Rasht, owned by actor and writer Soroush Sehat, was also sealed on Tuesday, Ordibehesht 25, for a similar reason by agents from the places administration. The Fars news agency, close to the Revolutionary Guards, labeled the publication of images of women in inappropriate attire at this bookstore on social media as 'controversial.' Concurrently with the closure of bookstores in response to women without hijab, Ebrahim Raisi emphasized 'easy access' for book enthusiasts across the country during his visit to the Tehran International Book Fair. Additionally, several street cafes in the Ekbatan district of Tehran were demolished a few days ago. Islamic Republic officials cited municipal problems as the reason for the demolition of 10-year-old cafes in the Kowsar market of Ekbatan. However, some pointed to the significant presence of protesters in Ekbatan, considering the demolition of street cafes as 'revenge' by the government for the protests in this district. Despite the Iranian government's efforts to enforce mandatory hijab through punitive measures, an increasing number of women continue to appear in public with their desired attire and without headscarves. The Qeshm Prosecutor's Office seized a boat due to 'mixed-gender recreational activities of some tourists.' The Tehran Book Fair; 'Roozaneh' was sealed, and reputable publishers did not participate. The Basij Organization of Guilds announced that special clothing for female sellers was designed. Concerns among Islamic Republic officials about the increase in 'civil resistance' against mandatory hijab in the summer. Mandatory hijab | The president of the Athletics Federation resigned; the Attorney General issued warnings to pilots.