Iran sends hijab-defying women for counseling to enforce mandatory head covering
- Celebrities and athletes join protests against stringent hijab laws, leading to extreme punishments.
- Healthcare organizations criticize Iran’s exploitation of psychological treatment for punishment.
- Education Minister admits detaining school children for “re-education” to prevent anti-social behavior.
- Proposed bill raises concerns of harsher penalties, including death, for repeated hijab protests.
TEHRAN, 07 AUGUST, (City Times-World Desk): Protests ignited in Iran after Mhasa Amini’s death led to a surprising response from the government. Those refusing to wear the hijab are now being sent for counseling to enforce the rule. This has drawn criticism from healthcare organizations, as Iran tries new ways to impose the dress code, even targeting children. A proposed bill raises concerns of harsher penalties, including death, for repeated protests against the hijab.
Government’s Unique Strategy to Enforce Hijab Rule Amidst Protests
Following widespread outrage over Mhasa Amini’s tragic death in Iran’s moral police custody, the government has taken an unconventional route to ensure compliance with the mandatory hijab rule. Escalating protests have prompted officials to resort to psychological counseling for women rejecting the headscarf mandate. This unprecedented move has drawn criticism, as healthcare groups denounce the misuse of therapy for hijab enforcement.
Challenging Tradition: Celebrities and Society’s Shift
Recent incidents of women defying the hijab rule have garnered global attention. Iranian actress Afsaneh Bayegan’s symbolic defiance on Instagram and public appearances without a hijab resulted in punitive measures. Bayegan received a suspended prison term and weekly psychological counseling for an alleged “anti-family personality disorder,” underscoring the clash between traditional norms and evolving societal values.
Amidst Growing Opposition
The Iranian government has started putting up cameras in public areas to spot women who are not wearing hijabs, according to an announcement by the police. When the cameras identify such women, they will receive text messages explaining the consequences of not following the rule that requires wearing a headscarf.
Responding to Increased Defiance
This action is meant to control what officials call “opposition to the hijab law.” It comes after protests that happened last year following the death of Mahsa Amini, a young Kurdish woman. Amini was arrested by the police for supposedly breaking the hijab rule, which led to widespread anger.
More Defiance Despite Risks
Since Mahsa Amini’s death, more women, especially in big cities, have been choosing not to wear veils, even though they could get arrested. The installation of cameras shows that the Iranian government is trying to make sure more people follow the hijab law because of this growing defiance.
Enforcement and Effects on Society
People are worried about how the cameras might affect personal privacy and individual rights. As the government works harder to make sure people follow the hijab rule, people are wondering how this could change society and what it could mean for women’s freedom to choose.
Moving Forward in a Complicated Situation
Iran is dealing with many things, like tradition, change, and opposition. The cameras being set up are just one part of the ongoing discussion about the hijab law. People are trying to understand what might happen next and how this affects personal freedom and what the government says.
Extreme Punishments and Female Solidarity
The Iranian government’s extreme measures to ensure hijab compliance have raised eyebrows. A woman was condemned to a month of morgue duty for driving without a hijab, highlighting the severity of penalties. In solidarity, women across diverse fields protested against these strict laws, emphasizing their right to autonomy. From renowned figures to everyday citizens, the movement gained momentum.
Dubious Methods and Potential Implications
Critics voice concerns about the government’s use of psychological treatment for punitive purposes. Mental health organizations condemn the exploitation of psychiatry, asserting that qualified professionals, not judges, should diagnose mental health issues. Troublingly, school children faced “re-education” in “medical psychological centers” during protests. The government’s comprehensive approach, including fines, alerts, vehicle seizures, and employment pressures, signals a concerted bid to limit women’s independence.
Grim Prospects Ahead
As the government intensifies hijab enforcement, a proposed bill suggests even harsher penalties for non-compliance. This bill’s introduction in the Iranian parliament raises alarms about potential civil rights erosion. If ratified, it could lead to severe outcomes, such as death sentences for repeated hijab protests. Iran’s response to these complexities is closely monitored, as global observers hope for a more inclusive future.