Iran - April 2023

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.

Sources: Reuters, Middle East Eye, Al Jazeera, Al Monitor