Iran

Iran has reinstated the ‘morality police’ following a 10-month withdrawal due to nationwide protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022. This reintroduction is accompanied by the regime's proclaimed "softer" approach towards hijab enforcement, with President Ebrahim Raisi advocating for respectful dialogue. The renewed campaign was announced on 17 July, with a strategy emphasizing persuasion and counselling with women not observing the hijab, rather than punitive measures. The new approach is also marked by the introduction of a law currently being drafted by Iran’s Judiciary committee of the legislature (Majlis). The aim of this legislation is to outline the norms for wearing the hijab and specify penalties for non-compliance. This legislative move indicates a shift towards legal mechanisms for enforcing hijab compliance, rather than relying solely on the morality police. The regime's reinstatement of the morality police and changes to enforce Islamic dress codes are viewed sceptically, seen as a deceptive tactic to intensify repression and curb unrest especially ahead of Amini's death anniversary and rising female protests. Despite government efforts, many women continue to resist hijab enforcement efforts.

Protests Gender-Based Violence Mahsa Amini

Iran witnessed a wave of executions throughout May, targeting protesters, individuals accused of blasphemy, and those linked to anti-government activities. The killings have sparked international condemnation and concerns over Iran’s continued capital punishment practices. Executions in Iran have become increasingly common, highlighting the pressing issues surrounding Iran's legal system and its impact on individual rights and freedoms. This trend reflects a broader increase in executions in the region. According to a new report by Amnesty International, Iran, along with other countries in the Middle East and North Africa region, witnessed a significant surge in executions in 2022 compared to previous years. Similarly, the UN reports an average of 10 executions per week in Iran, with over 200 carried out this year, potentially making 2023 the deadliest year since 2015 when 972 executions were recorded.

Death Penalty Extrajudicial killings

The government announced this month a series of new strategies to prevent and penalize hijab violations that include the use of surveillance technology and targeting of private businesses. Following the violent crackdown on anti-government demonstrations that began last September, more women across Iran have defied the headscarf dress code and gone unveiled in public spaces. Iranian authorities are taking new measures to crack down on violations of the hijab requirements and have denied unveiled women access to public and educational services. The Iranian police have installed cameras in public spaces to detect women who violate the hijab mandate and stated that those identified would receive a ‘warning text message’. As part of the new measures, the authorities are penalizing businesses that allow unveiled women customers. As a result, more than 150 business establishments have been closed and nearly 1000 people have been left unemployed.

Surveillance

Iran’s judiciary confirmed on 13 March that 82,000 prisoners were granted amnesty, including protestors who participated in the latest anti-government demonstrations. In early February, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei agreed to a mass pardon of prisoners on the occasion of the 44th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, granting a request by Iran's judiciary chief. Among the thousands of detainees released this month were 22,000 protestors who had been arrested as part of the government’s violent crackdown against the uprisings calling for regime change. Reports from several human rights organizations indicate that more than 500 Iranians have been killed, over 20,000 arrested and four have been executed since the protests began last September.

Protests Arbitrary Detention Pardons