Iran has agreed to impose tougher penalties for dress code violations, a year after massive demonstrations against it. The new penalties for wearing the hijab incorrectly could reach a fine of €5,000 or imprisonment for fifteen years.
People can now receive fines of up to €11 or prison sentences of between ten days to two months for violating the dress code. Therefore, these penalties will become much more severe.
The new law must deal with people who set a more difficult example. They can be banned from working for fifteen years. 10 percent of their assets can also be confiscated.
Furthermore, distributing photos showing people not adhering to the rules is punishable by a fine or imprisonment. Stricter penalties will also be imposed for insulting veiled women. Under the new law, people could face up to six months in prison or up to 74 lashes for doing so.
The law will be introduced on a trial basis for three years. According to the petitioners, the law should support head coverings and veils, and prohibit the promotion of nudity.
The Guardian Council, the country’s highest legislative body, must still approve the law. The council tests all new laws that violate the Islamic faith and the constitution. Because the council is made up of conservative Muslims, it will almost certainly approve the law.
The tightening comes a year after the death of Mahsa Amini
Dress codes in Iran have been heavily criticized for some time. Last year, Iranians took to the streets in large numbers after the death of Mahsa Amini. She died on August 16 at the police station, three days after she was arrested for wearing her hijab incorrectly.
Female demonstrators burn their headscarves and cut their hair. 22 thousand people were arrested and 7 people were executed.
Small demonstrations took place on Saturday to commemorate Amini’s death, but there were no large-scale movements. At least 260 people were arrested.
The authorities had greatly tightened security measures before this day. For example, security forces were monitored and access to the Internet was restricted.
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