|
HAIL TO THE IRANIAN
WOMEN'S REVOLUTIONISTS FALLEN FOR FREDOM
against
the supreme leader, the arch-reactionary Ayatollah Ali Khomeini,
and his placeman president. The message of
the women when the former president visited a university was plain: <give way or
get lost> in 2023 and still is.
IN MEMORY OF ASRA PANAHI (16)- JINA MAMINI (22) - NIKA SHAKARAMI (16), SARINA ESMAILZADEH (16) HADIS NAJAFI (20), AND MORE WOMEN WHO WERE ASSASINATED SO
FAR BY THE IRANIAN AXIS OF EVIL.
Click here for a total list so far
(Updates
December 7, 2024)
|
December 31,
2023 - Preface about the below 3 heroines of Iran by
Gino d'Artali : Beacons of hope and inspiration on the
road towards a long and free Iran . * Jina Amini,
our sister/daughter who martyred herself for freedom;
*Narges Mohammadi, our sister and as I call her 'mother
of a free Iran' and winner of the Nobel Prize of Freedom
2023 and sentenced five times to a total of 31 years in
prison and 154 lashes but who refuses to give in to the
mullahs' regime to wear a hijab or bow to their demands
and therefore is refused medical care although needing
it badly and bringing her live in danger but says "Victory
is not easy, but it is certain" * and Maryam
Akbari Monfared, our sister who's encarcerated since
15 years and refuses to bow down to the mullahs saying "Finally,
one day, I will sing the song of victory from the summit
of the mountain, like the sun. Tomorrow belongs to us"
Read all about them here and let them inspire you on
your road towards a long and free Iran or as we say in
the West: 'Three strikes and the mullahs' regime is out'
Be the finalizing strike dear and brave dissent |
|
Please do read
the above and following articles about heroines who risk live and
limb for the women-led revolution and no matter what
they'll never give in nor up!and other stories: click on the underlined
November '24
topics:
November 26, 2024:
Corruption, Black Market, and
Shortages
November 25, 2024:
Iranian Journalist's Death Exposes
Flawed Healthcare System
24 Nov 2024:
Femicide: Unpunished Crimes in
Mullahs' Iran
November 22, 2024:
Iran Faces New Fuel Price Dilemma
November 21, 2024:
Inside Baluchistan's Educational
Nightmare
And other Actual stories:
November 23, 2024: Leila
Hossein Zadeh
says NO-hijab
and
Commemoration of the Fallen for Freedom
Part 5
And more commemorational stories
and
Click here for previous inspiring
stories and articles
incl. Red Alerts |
'New' topic: a regimes' re-newed method of
torture: denial of medical care
Nov. 22 - Aug. 30, 2024:
Medical torture of women during
incarceration
November 4, 2024
"UN Expert Highlights Alarming
Violations Against Women and Fundamental Freedoms..."
October 19-18 2024 - July 18, 2016
Health taken hostage
And read here more about the
'Nurses 'strike' back':
Other updates can be read in
the 'Actual News' section
"Nurses can neutralize security
forces' efforts with unity."
August 30, 2024
and updates:
August 28, 2024:
Nurses' demands - "A nurse will
die, but will not accept humiliation,":
 |
"NO to executions"
campaign
In support - reflection and
updates:
Sept. 7 - August 20, 2024
Other updates can be read in
the 'Actual News' section
'The mullahs' regime / OHCHR* gallows' dance'
Other updates can be read in
the 'Actual News' section
July 8 - 4, 2024:
The-death-sentence-against-Sharifeh-Mohammadi
June 15, 2024:
Prisoner Swap with Iran is
Shameful Reward
June 5 - May 23, 2024:
It |Iran| puts people to death in
order to terrorize the population into silence.
and other stories
*OHCHR - UN Office of
the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Click here for earlier reports
|
|
December 06 - 05, 2024
<<Narges Mohammadi's
Temporary Medical Release is Grossly Insufficient...
& <<Ongoing Denial of
Family Visits for Death Row Political Prisoner Pakhshan
Azizi...
& <<Iranian Actress Shaves
Head to Protest Hijab Law...
& <<10 years of prison
sentences for Two Kurdish men in Naghadeh Prison...
& <<14 Students
Hospitalized After Carbon Monoxide Poisoning at Tehran
University...
& <<Evin Prisoners Denounce
Death Sentence Surge...
& <<Susan Hassanzadeh
transferred to Urmia prison to serve her prison
sentence...
and more actual and fact-finding news |
Dec. 5, 2024:
Iranian Women Rise Against the New
Hijab Law with the Slogan "Woman, Resistance, Freedom"
and
December 03 - November 29, 2024
<<Three prisoners,
including two women, executed...
& <<115 arrested in
November 2024...
& <<Eight political
prisoners sentenced to death and long-term
imprisonment...
& <<Iranian Rapper Toomaj
Salehi Released from Prison...
& "'People's Pockets Are
Empty': Black Friday in Iran...
& <<Iran Disrupts UN
Session to Exclude Kurdish Human Rights Group...
and more actual and fact-finding news |
December 1 - November 25, 2024
Protests against
violence against women in the Middle East November 2024
November 26 - 25,
2024
Preface by Gino d'Artali:
Yesterday, GMT time, was the
so-called 'International Day against violence
against Women'
Now, since the women-led "Woman, Life,
Freedom" revolutions
are getting a growing stronger hold in the Middle East
it is always wise to face the Fact-Finding reality
and so let's read two reports of 2
trustworthy outlets
who does excactly that: |
When one hurts or kills a women
one hurts or kills hummanity and is an antrocitie.
Gino d'Artali
and: My mother (1931-1997) always said to me <Mi
figlio, non esistono notizie <vecchie> perche puoi imparare qualcosa da
qualsiasi notizia.> Translated: <My son, there is no such thing as so
called 'old' news because you can learn something from any news.>
Gianna d'Artali.
Dear reader, let us, apart from all the other news following please
read first the most inspiring but alas also most disturbing news
namely about
Iranian Activists and Others Condemning the new
<Hijab and Chastity Law>
Cartoonist Mana Neyestani
Update:
Iranian Women Rise Against the New Hijab Law with the Slogan "Woman,
Resistance, Freedom"
The graffiti on the wall reads: Hijab is not the only issue
NCRI - December 5, 2024 in Monthlies, Women's News
<<Iranian Women Rise Against the New Hijab Law with the Slogan "Woman,
Resistance, Freedom"
A Criminal and Inhumane Law Ushering in a New Wave of Oppression Against
Women
On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence
Against Women and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,
our November bulletin explores the latest developments concerning the
enforcement of mandatory hijab, a policy that serves as a pretext for
the broadest form of state-sponsored violence against women in Iran.
This edition is especially significant as, on November 30, the final
text of the new mandatory hijab law was released by state-controlled
media, triggering widespread public backlash, even among factions within
the regime.
In this bulletin, we analyze the criminal and inhumane legislation
titled <Protecting Families Through Promoting the Culture of Chastity
and Hijab> in several sections.
New Hijab law Iran mullahs enforce compulsory Hijab
Chronicle of Drafting the Repressive <Chastity and Hijab> Law
The initial draft of this law, comprising nine articles, was prepared by
the judiciary after eight months of deliberation. This process began in
the early days of the nationwide uprising of 2022, which was ignited by
the murder of Jina (Mahsa) Amini at the hands of the oppressive morality
police. The draft was submitted to the government on April 22, 2023.
Ebrahim Raisi's administration, following its own review, expanded the
bill under the title <Supporting the Culture of Chastity and Hijab> into
15 articles and submitted it to the parliament for final approval on May
21, 2023. On July 27, 2023, the regime's parliament released a revised
draft, finalized by parliamentary committees, consisting of 70 articles.
However, fearing public backlash, the parliament avoided open discussion
of the bill. Instead, it delegated its final approval for <experimental
implementation> to the Judiciary Committee, invoking Article 85 of the
Constitution. The Judiciary Committee concluded its review of the
70-article Hijab bill on August 20, 2023. A month later, on September
20, 2023, the parliament approved the bill during an open session. The
vote saw 152 MPs in favor, 34 opposed, and 7 abstentions. Following its
approval by the Guardian Council, the Chastity and Hijab bill was slated
for a three-year trial implementation.
After a year of back-and-forth negotiations with the parliament, the
Guardian Council gave its final approval to the bill on September 21,
2024. This announcement was made by two members of the regime's
parliament, though there was no immediate action on its implementation.
On October 19, 2024, the Guardian Council spokesperson reiterated the
approval of the bill. However, the details of the final version to be
enforced remained unclear. Finally, on November 27, 2024, Mohammad
Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Parliament, announced that the law would
be officially issued on December 13, 2024. The finalized text of the
Chastity and Hijab law was published in widely circulated newspapers and
state media on November 30, 2024, ending speculation about its content.
cameras are watching you
A Criminal and Inhumane Law
Mrs. Maryam Rajavi described this law as "criminal and inhumane" and
"strongly condemned" it:
The misogynistic <Chastity and Hijab> law is criminal and inhumane and
is strongly condemned.
Through this oppressive law and by employing repressive forces, Khamenei
seeks to subjugate society, particularly women who are at the forefront
of the struggle against religious fascism. Neither daily executions nor
misogynistic laws will remedy this regime's predicament. Once again, I
reiterate, "No to compulsory hijab, no to compulsory religion, and no to
compulsory governance."
Call to Confront the New Wave of Women's Oppression
The NCRI Women's Committee, in a statement, described this criminal law
as being in violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and
international conventions, including the International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights and the conventions related to women's rights.
Echoing Maryam Rajavi's statement, the NCRI Women's Committee views this
"criminal and inhumane" law as a new phase in the regime's efforts to
crack down on Iranian women and girls, aimed at stifling uprisings. NCRI
Women's Committee calls on all international organizations and relevant
bodies to condemn this law. It urges all freedom-loving Iranian women to
resist this oppressive and inhumane law under the banner of "Woman,
Resistance, Freedom."
The Bill Amounts to Gender Apartheid
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights issued a statement
on September 1, 2023, in which a group of UN Human Rights
Council-appointed experts slammed Iran's draft Hijab law. The experts
said the bill could amount to "Gender Apartheid," underlining global
concern over the escalation of the Iranian regime's suppression of
women's rights in Iran.
New Hijab Law 1,700 women summoned for improper veiling
CCTV capturing scenes of theTeenage Nafas Haji Sharif and her friend
were brutalized and dragged on the ground in a Tehran street for defying
the mandatory Hijab
Guidance patrols violently push a woman into their van
The Paradox of the Clerical Regime
For 46 years, despite the brutal repression of women under the guise of
mandatory hijab, no formal law was ever established on the matter.
However, after widespread opposition to the hijab law surged, especially
following the nationwide uprising of 2022-ignited by the murder of a
young woman over the imposition of the hijab, and fueled by calls for
the overthrow of Khamenei and the regime-the clerical regime, having
failed with its previous tactics, decided to introduce a law compelling
all citizens to comply. This law was crafted specifically to tighten the
noose around women, forcing them into submission. Harsh punishments were
not only imposed on women-the primary targets of this repression-but
also on service institutions such as banks, hospitals, airports, shops,
restaurants, and businesses that offer services to women not adhering to
the hijab. The law also penalizes companies that employ these women,
aiming to ensure compliance with the mandatory hijab rule, even if
direct resistance from Iranian women couldn't be subdued. The regime
seeks to enforce it through families, employers, and other societal
structures. The clerical regime, on one hand, is compelled to enforce
mandatory hijab as a means of preserving its grip on power. From the
outset of its rule, the regime sought to bind society by imposing the
hijab and suppressing the freedoms and rights of women, thereby
reinforcing the foundations of its despotic regime. If it were to lose
the last remaining symbol of its so-called <Islamic> identity, namely
the chador, it would have no justification left for its claim to Islam
or its absolute authority under the supreme leader. For this reason, the
regime's leaders have consistently framed women's resistance to
mandatory dress codes as a security threat, linking it to alleged enemy
conspiracies. On December 3, the heads of the judiciary and legislature
highlighted the <security> and <identity> aspects of this issue,
stressing the urgency of its implementation. At the same time, all
factions within the regime are acutely aware of the widespread social
discontent and the volatile state of society. They fear that increasing
pressure in this area could lead to consequences akin to the 2022
uprising, which could get out of hand. In this context, Ghalibaf, the
Speaker of Parliament, cited the anniversary of the 2022 uprising as the
reason for delaying the bill's implementation. Many have raised the
question: Why is the regime, while grappling with multiple crises on
domestic, regional, and global fronts, moving forward with the
implementation of such a law? The answer is that precisely because of
this crisis-ridden situation, the regime sees its only solution in
further suppressing society, particularly through a new wave of
repression against women. This course of action stems from the regime’s
deeply ingrained misogynistic nature and was entirely foreseeable. At
the same time, it serves as a diversionary tactic by the clerics, aiming
to limit the struggles of the Iranian people-especially the courageous
women-to the fight against mandatory hijab, preventing them from
pursuing broader goals of freedom and democracy for the entire society.
However, this is a dangerous game with a double-edged sword, one that
will ultimately backfire on the regime.
Widespread Social Backlash
As mentioned earlier, the announcement of the law’s enforcement has
triggered widespread social backlash, even within the regime's own
factions. A closer examination of these reactions sheds further light on
the regime’s paradox, as previously discussed. A former regime
parliamentarian, speaking to ILNA on December 1, stated: "We see today
that a bill aimed at ensuring the security of women, which has been on
the government, judiciary, and parliament’s agenda for 13 years, still
hasn’t been addressed in parliament. However, the hijab and chastity
bill, which is a display of power by factions of parliament against
women, takes priority and is passed. Unfortunately, the law that has
been written has no connection to the public, and all efforts have been
focused on putting women in a tight corner, preventing them from
engaging in economic, cultural, social, and political activities. Most
importantly, it creates an environment that will lead to further
protests within society." Etemad Daily on December 2 reported:
"According to calculations by the Research Center of Parliament, the
poverty line in Tehran for a three-person family this year is at least
20 million rials. Recently, the Minister of Labor also announced that at
least 30 percent of Iran's population lives below the poverty line. At
the same time, estimates show that between 20 and 30 percent of the
population is on the brink of falling below this line. This is in a
situation where the minimum monthly wage in Iran is about 7 million
rials. First, this means that the minimum fine for not wearing the hijab
is higher than a worker's monthly wage. Second, the enforcement of this
law will push at least 20 percent of society below the poverty line due
to fines for non-compliance." A legal expert from Hamdeli Daily on
December 2 added: "A law cannot be implemented through fear alone. If a
law lacks justice and is not based on rationality, it will undoubtedly
lead to a crisis. This law embodies all those conditions. It has no
religious foundation and is based on the views of a small political
group that lacks public support. Such a law is doomed to failure." A
Legal Expert, Setareh Sobh Daily, December 2: A belief has emerged among
citizens that some laws are being drafted and passed with the intention
of generating unconventional revenue from the public.
A University Professor, Arman Emrooz Daily, December 2: They want to
turn the people of Iran into spies and informants. Shopkeepers, doctors,
and company or residential complex managers will be forced to hand over
camera footage to the police so that artificial intelligence can
identify women and fine them. Ride-hailing drivers will officially
become informants on their passengers.
Arman Melli Daily, December 3: The publication of the details of the
Chastity and Hijab law has sparked widespread reactions... A law that,
according to some, is even uncomfortable to read, let alone put into
practice and enforce.
Setareh Sobh Daily, December 3: In recent years, all similar measures
have faced opposition, and in some cases, the insistence on enforcing
hijab-related policies has been damaging to both the country and the
people. The failed Gasht-e Ershad (morality police) program and the
unrest it caused in the latter half of 2022 stand as the most glaring
example of the failure of coercive measures, criminalizing, and imposing
fines in cultural and religious matters.
Etemad Daily, December 3: The scope of criminalization in this law, the
mobilization of extensive financial resources for its enforcement, and
its targeting of women-who make up half the population-... A law that
addresses half of the population based on their gender and mandates the
implementation of its provisions by all public, private, and
governmental institutions in even the most trivial aspects of citizens'
lives... A law that deems children criminals and imposes heavy financial
penalties on them, ultimately recommending welfare centers, while
questioning parents’ legal right to raise their children. It also grants
those living in the country as migrants or refugees the right to monitor
the enforcement of the law. This represents an exceptional case in the
country's legislative history!!!
Let us not forget that over 50% of eligible voters did not participate
in elections; let us not forget the visible rift between the nation and
the state; let us not forget that poverty affects half the population
(according to the Research Center of the Iranian Parliament). Statistics
show that around half of the citizens in Iran live in poverty. Let us
not forget that the country’s energy infrastructure is on the brink of
crisis; let us not forget that we need all available human resources to
overcome the nation’s crises; let us not forget that we are now in a
difficult historical moment both regionally and globally.
A Former Member of the Regime's Parliament, ILNA, December 5: Parliament
should recognize the needs of society… not enact laws that do not
address the priorities of the majority. With all the inflation,
suffering, poverty, unemployment, social unrest, inflation, lack of
medicine and healthcare, Parliament suddenly turns its attention to
fining and punishing 9-year-old girls, with fines that are sometimes
greater than the wages of their fathers. This becomes Parliament's
priority. Thus, when a child leaves school and her hijab slips, she must
pay a fine equivalent to her father's one-month salary.
Highlights from the New Hijab and Chastity Law
The final version of the bill, <Support for Families by Promoting the
Culture of Chastity and Hijab,> was published on November 30, after
months of revisions between the regime's parliament and the Guardian
Council. Spanning 74 articles and 5 chapters, this 15,000-word law
targets multiple aspects of social life, solidifying a cultural
revolution under the regime. Through this law, the regime strengthens
its base by offering new job, financial, and political opportunities. It
also purges administrative and service sectors of non-compliant or
rebellious employees. By expanding surveillance and control, the law
heightens repression and gives legal backing to the activities of the
regime's operatives and informants, enabling greater societal
monitoring.
Mobilization of All Ministries and Government Agencies with Assigned
Duties
While the regime claims that there is no <guidance patrol> included in
this law, it has, in fact, assigned responsibilities to 12 ministries
and 18 government agencies-spanning security, law enforcement,
propaganda, and economic sectors. These include the Ministry of Culture
and Guidance, state-run media (IRIB), the Ministry of Education, the
Ministry of Health, municipalities, and the Ministry of Science. These
agencies are tasked with reinforcing the institution of the family and
promoting a <family-centered Islamic lifestyle.>
In the third section of the law, numerous ministries, organizations, and
local governments have been charged with actions that go beyond the
scope of the guidance patrols, addressing the issue of improper veiling
and non-compliance with hijab. The law stipulates that business
owners-both online and offline-as well as leaders of groups, tours,
camps, and platforms that share audio or visual content, will face
penalties due to the presence of women opposing the mandatory hijab in
their spaces, whether in real life or in the digital realm. According to
Article 16, Clause 8 of this law, municipalities and rural districts
across the country, in collaboration with councils and organizations
such as the regime's Islamic Propagation Organization, the Ministry of
Culture and Islamic Guidance, the Ministry of Sports and Youth, the
National Radio and Television, and the Committee for Promotion of Virtue
and Prevention of Vice, are required to <continuously monitor all public
places under their management, including parks, cultural centers,
historical sites, and public transportation, and take necessary actions
to create an environment conducive to modesty and the hijab, as well as
to ensure the active presence of virtue enforcers at these locations and
provide support for them.> Many government employees, business owners,
and entrepreneurs who fail to cooperate in identifying those opposing
the mandatory hijab or refuse to enforce the law will face penalties,
including a 5-to 6-year ban from public service. Business owners may
also face fines equivalent to 2 to 6 months' worth of their business
earnings, while other individuals may face a fine of the fourth degree.
If the managers of complexes and residential areas fail to provide
surveillance footage to the authorities, they will be fined between 18
to 36 million tomans, with the amount of the fine increasing for
subsequent offenses. Drivers of ride-hailing taxis are required to
report passengers' adherence to the mandatory hijab.
According to Article 33 of this law, the condition for hiring and
employing women in all government and state institutions, as well as
even in non-governmental educational centers, is adherence to the
culture of modesty and hijab. This applies not only within the workplace
and educational environments but also outside of them and in the digital
space. Additionally, the renewal of licenses for private institutions is
conditional upon compliance with this rule.
According to Note 5 of Article 42, if a public figure is convicted or
has a legal case under this law, media outlets are prohibited from
publishing any <related> interviews or articles about them. In cases of
violation, media managers will be fined 920 million tomans. This bill
emphasizes not only the violent treatment of women but also the expanded
implementation of <gender segregation> in universities, administrative
and educational centers, parks, recreational areas, and even in
hospitals' medical facilities.
2500 Cases Filed Against Women Defying Compulsory Hijab
Severe Penalties
Under the new law, the punishment for the re-arrest of a citizen due to
<nudity> can range from 10 to 15 years in prison, while crimes such as
kidnapping, trafficking 20 kilograms of opium, and the purchase or sale
of heavy weapons or explosives carry lesser penalties. The fines for
non-compliance with the mandatory hijab (ranging from 5 to 165 million
tomans) are imposed despite the fact that "the minimum wage in Iran is
around 7 million tomans, and over 30% of the population lives below the
poverty line." According to this law, women who oppose the mandatory
hijab will be fined between 5 and 165 million tomans for their first
four offenses of appearing in public without it. Based on the penalty
chart for offenses ranging from level one to level eight, published in
the media, repeated violations (more than four instances of appearing
without the mandatory hijab) will result in a level four fine (up to 330
million tomans). A <one-degree increase> means the fine will rise to
level three (up to 500 million tomans).
Women who appear without the mandatory hijab more than four times <in
real life or in the digital realm> will face charges such as <promoting
or advertising nudity, immorality, unveiling, or improper dress.> They
will be sentenced to at least a 330 million toman fine. This penalty,
<at the discretion of the judicial authority,> may also include a <ban
on leaving the country for up to two years> and a <ban on online
activity ranging from six months to two years.> <In subsequent
violations,> the fine will be <increased by one level,> rising to 500
million tomans. Girls aged 9 to 15 are required to adhere to the
mandatory hijab. In cases of <violating the hijab law,> they will be
subject to fines and <educational> measures.
According to Article 66 of this law, if a 13-year-old child mocks the
regime's mandatory hijab requirements two or more times while using
social media, they will face imprisonment for 3 months to 1 year in a
<reform and rehabilitation center,> a fine ranging from 330 to 500
million tomans, or other preventive and educational measures. The fines
must be paid within 10 days after the final verdict. Failure to pay will
result in various restrictions on access to government services, such as
issuing or renewing passports, registering, or changing vehicle license
plates, granting exit permits, and issuing or renewing driver's
licenses.
Guardian Council Approves New Hijab Bill, Enforcing Gender Apartheid
A Glance at the Regime's Illegal Actions and Crimes Against Women in the
Name of Enforcing the Mandatory Hijab
The clerical regime began its brutal and unlawful actions to impose the
mandatory hijab as early as April 2023, even before the judiciary
drafted the law's initial proposal. The head of the regime's judiciary,
Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, stated that the removal of the hijab was
equivalent to an act of hostility against the system and its values,
adding that those who engage in this <anomaly> would be punished. He
further emphasized, <Removing the hijab is a violation of public
decency, religious principles, and the law, and the enemy supports it.>
(Fars News Agency - April 1, 2023) The regime has imposed harsh,
humiliating, and highly disproportionate punitive measures on women who
refuse to comply with the mandatory hijab. These include sentencing
women to wash corpses in morgues for one month, mandatory weekly visits
to a psychologist for six months to treat <antisocial personality
disorder,> one month of cleaning services for a medical intern, 270
hours of unpaid cleaning services at the Ministry of Interior, physical
assaults on students at universities, the re-establishment of morality
guidance patrols, the stationing of hijab enforcers at street corners
and metro stations, fines, and the confiscation of vehicles where hijab
violations are detected. Women who defy the hijab law face bans from
educational services and employment, while businesses providing services
to uncovered women are shut down. Further measures include the killing
of a 60-year-old female tourist,
.jpg)
Armita Gevarnand
the murder of 17-year-old Armita Garavand, the brutal beating of two
schoolgirls in the streets, and the shooting of Arzoo Badri, which left
her paralyzed. In addition, several students have committed suicide due
to the oppressive school policies on hijab. These are just some of the
many facets of this brutal crackdown, which has become a daily nightmare
for women and the people of Iran. According to criminology and criminal
law experts within the regime itself, the actions taken by the State
Security Force-including the confiscation of vehicles, obtaining pledges
from individuals regarding the hijab, shutting down shops, preventing
people from entering public spaces, and sending text messages to the
public-have no legal basis. All of these actions are unlawful.
Parliamentary Commission Approves 39 Articles of the Hijab and Chastity
Bill
Abuse of Religion by the Clerical Regime
In his speech, the mullahs' Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei stated, <The
hijab is a clear religious ruling, and it cannot be disregarded.> These
remarks continue the abuse of religion by Khomeini to impose the
mandatory hijab and oppress women as a means of suppressing the entire
society, a policy that has been in place since 1979. In 1987, the
National Council of Resistance of Iran passed the Plan on Women's Rights
and Freedoms, emphasizing women’s right to freely choose their attire.
Maryam Rajavi has repeatedly stated in her speeches that anything
imposed by force, coercion, or pressure is not part of Islam. As stated
in the Quran, "There is no compulsion in religion." Furthermore, in her
speech on International Women's Day in March 2024, Mrs. Rajavi urged the
women and girls of Iran to spread the slogan "No to compulsory religion,
no to compulsory hijab, and no to compulsory governance" across Iran and
the world. It must be emphasized that nowhere in Islam does it say that
someone has the right to harass, arrest, beat, or kill a woman because
of her attire. Such inhuman actions are against Islam and the principles
of being a Muslim. According to all human rights laws and all religions,
the right to choose one's attire is a personal choice, and no individual
or authority has the right to impose a specific dress code on any woman.
Resistance Units Respond to the New Repressive Hijab Law
In the days following the publication and enforcement of the new
mandatory hijab law, defiant women, youth, and the Resistance Units
across the country have refused to remain silent. Their bold response
has manifested in daring operations targeting the regime's centers of
oppression, graffiti campaigns on city walls, and large-scale image
projections.
On December 2, the slogan "Woman, Resistance, Freedom" was illuminated
on high-rise buildings in Mesaq Street in Rasht, Towhid Ave. in Karaj,
and Tabarsi Boulevard in Mashhad. Simultaneously, operations were
carried out against oppressive regime institutions, including the
Bagheshahr Municipality in Kerman, the District 8 Municipality in
Kermanshah, a Basij base in Eslamabad-e Gharb, and a Revolutionary Guard
Corps (IRGC) Basij base in Qasr-e Qand. Additionally, dozens of banners
bearing images of the regime's leaders were set ablaze and destroyed.
These acts of defiance demonstrate a clear rejection of the regime’s
intensified crackdown, signaling the unyielding resolve of the
Resistance Units.>>
Source:
https://wncri.org/2024/12/05/november-2024-report-the-new-hijab-law/
Earler reports:
Iranwire - 2 Dec 2024
<<Iran's Judiciary Demands Full Enforcement of the Hijab and Chastity
Law
The head of the Islamic Republic's judiciary has called for the full
implementation of the <Hijab and Chastity> law. Gholam-Hossein
Mohseni-Eje'i addressed the ongoing defiance against mandatory hijab in
Iran, saying, <The situation currently seen on some streets is
absolutely wrong and illogical, and we must have a solution for it. A
law has been passed that must be implemented and enforced.> Responding
to critics of the <Hijab and Chastity> law, he said, <If there are
shortcomings, it's not a problem; representatives can make amendments,>
adding, <If there is ambiguity, the Parliament can provide
clarification.> Approved after several revisions between Parliament and
the Guardian Council, the law comprises 74 articles and will be
officially communicated to enforcement agencies on December 13. It
introduces severe financial penalties and extensive social restrictions
for women who refuse to comply with mandatory hijab regulations. Despite
the Islamic Republic's policies that criminalize non-compliance with the
mandatory hijab and the increasingly harsh treatment of women by both
official and unofficial forces, many women continue to resist through
acts of civil disobedience. Since April 13, Iran's law enforcement
agencies have intensified the enforcement of hijab regulations under the
national action plan <Noor.> Across Iran, there have been numerous
reports of women being arrested and subjected to force for perceived
violations of dress codes. Users across social networks are
participating in a spontaneous campaign using the hashtag "war against
women" to document their experiences and observations regarding the
government’s crackdown on opponents of mandatory hijab.>>
Source:
https://iranwire.com/en/women/136675-irans-judiciary-demands-full-enforcement-of-the-hijab-and-chastity-law/
Nashrin Sotoudeh and Sedigheh Vasmaghi
Iranwire - 2 Dec 2024
<<Iranian Activists Condemn Hijab and Chastity Law as 'Medieval'
Prominent Iranian activists Nasrin Sotoudeh and Sedigheh Vasmaghi have
condemned the recently approved <Hijab and Chastity> law, calling it a
"shameful" legislative act. In a statement released on Sunday, the
activists criticized the law's approval, describing it as a "ridiculous
show" orchestrated by various government bodies. They accused those in
power of enacting a "medieval law" that undermines women's civil rights.
The law, which passed after multiple revisions between Parliament and
the Guardian Council, includes 74 articles and will be officially
communicated to enforcement agencies on December 13. It introduces
severe financial penalties and extensive social restrictions for women
who refuse to comply with mandatory hijab regulations. Sotoudeh and
Vasmaghi warned the political leadership that if the law is not
repealed, they, along with what they anticipate will be a significant
number of citizens, will exercise their right to protest in public
spaces. A provision of the law also extends to foreign nationals,
granting authorities the power to enforce hijab regulations on
non-Iranian women.>>
Source:
https://iranwire.com/en/women/136666-iranian-activists-condemn-hijab-and-chastity-law-as-medieval/
Iranwire - 2 Dec 2024
<<Iran's Former Minister Criticizes Hijab and Chastity Law, Urges Repeal
Abbas Akhoundi, a former Minister of Roads and Urban Development, has
called on President Masoud Pezeshkian to repeal the recently passed <Hijab
and Chastity> law. Akhoundi criticized the new law, arguing that it
fundamentally violates constitutional principles. "The law to support
families by promoting the culture of chastity and hijab places the
executive branch in direct conflict with a significant part of society,"
he said. The former reformist official said that Pezeshkian now faces
the challenge of enforcing a law that lacks necessity, is unenforceable,
and threatens national unity.
"This law violates the Constitution, which guarantees citizens' right to
protest and ensures that political power is exercised legitimately and
transparently," Akhoundi added. "Instead, it places the entire executive
branch under the control of security agencies, which is clearly
unconstitutional," he emphasized. Akhoundi suggested that the president
present the issue to the Supreme Leader as either a "national problem"
or an "inter-branch dispute" to seek approval for revoking the
legislation. The law, which passed after several revisions between
Parliament and the Guardian Council, includes 74 articles and will be
officially communicated to enforcement agencies on December 13. It
introduces severe financial penalties and extensive social restrictions
for women who refuse to comply with mandatory hijab regulations.>>
Source:
https://iranwire.com/en/women/136667-irans-former-minister-criticizes-hijab-and-chastity-law-urges-repeal/
Iranwire - 2 Dec 2024 - by Payam Younesipour
<<New Hijab Law in Iran Risks Isolating Athletes and Defying
International Sports Norms
The <Chastity and Hijab Law> introduces unprecedented governmental
control over Iranian athletes' attire and behavior, potentially
jeopardizing the country's standing in international sports. The
legislation mandates that the Ministry of Sports and Youth of President
Masoud Pezeshkian's administration design sportswear <according to
Islamic standards.> Female athletes face significant new restrictions on
social activities, while those who promote compulsory hijab will receive
financial and moral government support. Legal experts suggest that the
bill's provisions directly conflict with multiple articles and
fundamental principles of the Olympic Charter, including Articles 1, 27,
59, and 44. These articles protect athlete autonomy, non-discrimination,
and freedom of expression. Despite repeated political interference and
athlete suppression in recent years, international sports organizations,
including the International Olympic Committee, have maintained a passive
stance. However, the explicit governmental control outlined in this bill
could potentially trigger Iran's suspension from international sporting
competitions. Article 18 of the Chastity and Hijab Bill tasks the
Ministry of Sports and Youth with enforcing a range of measures. These
include supporting organizations and associations that promote chastity
and hijab through financial and non-financial incentives, designing
sportswear for male and female athletes that comply with hijab standards
under the supervision of the Fashion and Clothing Committee, and
rewarding athletes who advocate for hijab. The ministry must also review
the permits of organizations or clubs reported for non-compliance with
hijab requirements, with the possibility of revoking their licenses. It
is responsible for planning to promote Islamic family-oriented
lifestyles and chastity within the sports community, ensuring the
employment of same-gender coaches for athletes wherever possible, and
drafting a code of conduct for professional sports within three months
of the law’s implementation for Cabinet approval. The bill also
specifies that any directors or board members of organizations who
violate the law must be dismissed and replaced within one month, or
their organization's license will be revoked. These directives indicate
that female athletes' adherence to hijab, even outside sports venues,
will be closely monitored by the Islamic Republic and its security
apparatus. Male athletes in sports such as wrestling, swimming, water
polo, and weightlifting will also be required to compete in
government-approved clothing.
The Olympic Charter and Chastity and Hijab Law
Milad Taghavi, head of the Islamic Republic's Volleyball Federation,
said in a press conference on November 28 that during the Women's
Volleyball Championship of Islamic Countries, Iran was the only nation
whose female volleyball players competed in full hijab. This was an
indirect acknowledgement of the mandatory hijab imposed on Iranian
female athletes during international competitions. However, the details
of the Chastity and Hijab Law, approved by the parliament, make it clear
that Iranian women - and now even male athletes - will no longer have
the freedom to choose their clothing in international events. A review
of the provisions of the Olympic Charter, the highest binding document
for international and national sports federations, reveals that the law
stands in complete contradiction to the regulations of the International
Olympic Committee (IOC) and global sports federations. The fundamental
principles of the Olympic Charter emphasize the independence of the
Olympic movement from political interference. The principle, explicitly
outlined in Article 1 and the Fundamental Principles, states that
governments must not interfere in the internal affairs of sports
federations, including setting competition rules or determining
athletes' attire. Article 27 of the Charter specifies that athletes'
clothing must comply with the regulations set by the international
federations governing each sport. National federations or governments
are not allowed to impose dress codes without coordinating with these
international bodies. Additionally, fundamental principles 4 and 6 of
the charter say that sport is a human right, and every individual should
be able to participate in competitions freely, regardless of religion,
gender, nationality, language, skin color, or religious beliefs, and
without restrictions imposed by governments. Article 59 of the Olympic
Charter highlights measures to safeguard the independence of the Olympic
movement and prevent political interference in sports. It says that if a
government intervenes in the internal affairs of the national Olympic
committee or sports federations in any way, sanctions such as suspension
or exclusion from the Olympic Games may be imposed on that country.
Will the Islamic Republic Back Down Again?
In recent years, the Iranian public has come to view the International
Olympic Committee (IOC) and global sports federations as being lenient
toward the Islamic Republic rather than supporting the country's
athletes. Over the past four decades, the Islamic Republic has
perpetuated one of the most severe examples of "gender apartheid" in
global sports by persistently banning women from entering stadiums.
Iranian athletes have faced suppression, imprisonment, and even
execution in recent years, particularly following the "Woman, Life,
Freedom" movement in 2022. Despite this, global federations and the IOC
have refrained from taking serious action. There are, however, instances
where government interference in international sports rules has become
so overt that the Islamic Republic has been forced to retreat. In April
2020, Fars News Agency reported that the Iranian parliament approved an
emergency bill to ban Iranian athletes from facing Israeli opponents.
Ali Larijani, then-Speaker of Parliament, announced that all 192
representatives present had voted in favor of the bill's urgency.
Following the vote, some members chanted "Death to Israel."
After the news was reported, the IOC made brief inquiries to Iran's
Olympic Committee regarding the law's implementation. Faced with the
possibility of Iran being suspended due to direct political interference
in sports, the parliament's National Security Commission ultimately
removed the ban on competing with Israeli athletes from its agenda.
While the ban on competing with Israeli athletes was a politically
charged issue, the Chastity and Hijab Law represents a sweeping
governmental mandate over all aspects of Iranian athletes' lives - male
and female - during competitions, training, and even in their personal
lives.>>
Source:
https://iranwire.com/en/sports/136692-new-hijab-law-in-iran-risks-isolating-athletes-and-defying-international-sports-norms/
NCRI - December 3, 2024 - in Articles, Women's News
<<Heads of Iran Judiciary and Majlis Stress Enforcement of the New Hijab
and Chastity Law
On Monday, December 2, 2024, the Iranian judiciary and parliament
convened a joint session. The Judiciary Chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni
Ejei, and the Parliamentary Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stressed
the implementation of the <Hijab and Chastity Law.> (IRNA) Ejei remarked
in the session, <All branches and organizations are responsible for
addressing the current situation visible on our streets. We must act.>
He further noted, <The state of chastity and hijab in our streets today
is neither logical nor acceptable. A law has been established, and it
must be enforced. If amendments or clarifications are needed, it is the
responsibility of parliament to act accordingly.> Ghalibaf reinforced
this stance, asserting, <Hijab is undoubtedly a religious and legal
obligation. Various branches and organizations must prioritize this
issue.> He had previously announced on November 27, 2024, that the law
would be formally implemented on December 13.
Details of the Controversial Law
The so-called <Chastity and Hijab> law, consisting of 74 articles
organized into five chapters, was finalized after numerous exchanges
between the mullahs' parliament, the Guardian Council, and the
Expediency Discernment Council. Officially titled the <Family Protection
Law by Promoting the Culture of Chastity and Hijab,> the full text of
the law was published by state-controlled media on December 1, 2024. The
endorsement of this new law by the heads of the judiciary and
legislative branches comes amid widespread public backlash following the
publication of its final text in the media. Many have described it as
"shameful," "astonishing," "gender apartheid," and "a tool of
intimidation for repression."
Penalties for Non-Compliance
This law imposes severe penalties on women who appear in public or
virtual spaces without compulsory hijab more than four times, labeling
their actions as <promotion of nudity, indecency, unveiling, or improper
attire.> Sanctions include:
- Monetary Fines: Fines start at 330 million rials (approximately $471),
escalating to 500 million rials (approximately $714) for repeated
offenses.
– Travel Restrictions: A two-year ban on leaving the country.
– Digital Restrictions: A six-month to two-year prohibition from social
media platforms.
Women opposing compulsory hijab face fines ranging from 50 million to
1.65 billion rials (approximately $71 to $2,357) for their first four
violations in public.
– Girls aged 9 to 15 are mandated to observe the hijab and face
penalties, including fines and <educational measures,> for violations.
– According to Article 66 of this law, if a 13-year-old child mocks the
regime's compulsory hijab two or more times while using social media,
they will be sentenced to imprisonment for 3 months to 1 year in a
<correctional and training center,> a fine ranging from approximately
$471 to $714, or other preventive and corrective measures.
– CCTV footage from residential complexes must be shared with
authorities, with fines imposed for non-compliance.
– Fines must be paid within 10 days of the final verdict, and failure to
do so will result in various restrictions on access to government
services, including the issuance or renewal of passports, vehicle
registration or license plate changes, permits for leaving the country,
as well as the issuance or renewal of driver's licenses.
– Drivers of ride-hailing services are obligated to report passengers'
compliance with compulsory hijab.
– Furthermore, under Article 71 of this law, the government is required
to allocate an annual budget to the State Security Force for the
provision of cameras for this program.
– According to this law, the presence of opponents of compulsory hijab
in both real and virtual spaces will result in penalties, including for
owners of online and offline businesses, administrators of groups,
tours, camps, and platforms for audio or visual content in the virtual
space.
Heads of the Judiciary and Majlis Stress Enforcement of the New Hijab
and Chastity Law
Public Backlash and Economic Concerns
The law has faced harsh criticism for its disproportionate penalties and
potential socioeconomic impact. The daily Etemad wrote: With Iran's
minimum wage hovering around 7 million rials (approximately $10) and
over 30% of the population living below the poverty line, the fines
exacerbate economic hardships. Critics also highlight the disparity
between the harsh sentences for hijab violations and lenient penalties
for crimes such as kidnapping or drug trafficking.
A Criminal and Inhumane Law
Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of
Iran (NCRI), condemned the law as "criminal and inhumane," stating:
"The misogynistic 'Chastity and Hijab' law is criminal and inhumane and
is strongly condemned. Through this oppressive law and by employing
repressive forces, Khamenei seeks to subjugate society, particularly
women who are at the forefront of the struggle against religious
fascism. Neither daily executions nor misogynistic laws will remedy this
regime's predicament. Once again, I reiterate, 'No to compulsory hijab,
no to compulsory religion, and no to compulsory governance.'" To
suppress protests and prevent the spread of dissent among women and the
broader society, the law also assigns the Ministry of Intelligence, the
police intelligence unit (FARAJA), and the IRGC Intelligence
Organization to enforce measures against noncompliance with hijab rules.
Call to Action by the NCRI Women's Committee
The NCRI Women's Committee denounced the law as a violation of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international
conventions on civil and women's rights. In a statement, they said the
"criminal and inhumane" law was a new phase in the regime's efforts to
crack down on Iranian women and girls, aimed at stifling uprisings. The
NCRI Women's Committee called on all international organizations and
relevant bodies to condemn this law. The NCRI Women's Committee urged
all freedom-loving Iranian women to resist this oppressive and inhumane
law under the banner of "Woman, Resistance, Freedom." >>
Source:
https://wncri.org/2024/12/03/judiciary-and-majlis-hijab-and-chastity-law/
Women's Liberation Front 2019/cryfreedom.net 2024
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