Iran is poised to implement draconian new morality laws next week, escalating the ongoing conflict between the government and women challenging the mandatory hijab. These laws carry severe penalties, including the death penalty or lengthy prison sentences of up to 15 years for women deemed to be violating the country’s strict dress code. This harsh crackdown follows months of protests spurred by the ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ movement, a powerful demonstration of resistance against the Islamic Republic’s oppressive policies.
The newly enacted legislation defines a broad range of actions as offenses, effectively criminalizing any perceived deviation from the government’s interpretation of modesty. Beyond the direct penalties for women not adhering to the hijab mandate, the law also punishes those deemed to be promoting ‘nudity, indecency, unveiling, or improper dressing.’ These individuals face substantial fines—up to $15,900—alongside flogging and prison terms ranging from five to fifteen years.
Furthermore, the legislation includes provisions targeting those who share information about these violations with outside entities. Article 37 specifically criminalizes the reporting of ‘indecency,’ hijab removal, or ‘inappropriate attire’ to foreign organizations, including international media and human rights groups, with penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment and hefty fines. The most severe penalty, the death penalty, is reserved under Article 296 for individuals whose actions are considered ‘corruption on Earth.’ This vague and broadly defined charge raises serious concerns about its potential for misuse and arbitrary application.
The sweeping nature of these laws extends beyond individual women. Businesses, taxi drivers, media outlets, educational institutions, and even bystanders who fail to report instances of perceived indecency will also face legal repercussions. This creates a climate of fear and encourages pervasive surveillance, further stifling dissent and freedom of expression.
Amnesty International has strongly condemned these laws, highlighting their potential to severely restrict women’s rights and silence peaceful activism. The organization notes that the legislation effectively criminalizes women who send videos of themselves outside Iran, further illustrating the regime’s intent to control the flow of information and limit dissent. Amnesty also expresses concern about the implicit immunity granted to individuals enforcing compulsory veiling under the guise of ‘religious duty,’ effectively shielding perpetrators of harassment and violence.
The new law’s Article 60 extends to those who attempt to help women defying the dress code; they too risk imprisonment or fines for intervention or preventing arrests. Diana Eltahawy, Amnesty International’s deputy director for the Middle East, called the law ‘shameful,’ stating that it ‘intensifies the persecution of women and girls for daring to stand up for their rights following the Woman, Life, Freedom uprising.’ The international community is watching closely as Iran’s actions further curtail fundamental human rights and intensify the ongoing struggle for women’s equality within the country.
