The Iranian police announced today, Saturday, the installation of cameras in public places and streets to monitor women who do not adhere to the hijab and to penalize them, as part of a new attempt to curb the increasing numbers of those resisting mandatory dress codes. The police stated in a statement that violators would receive "warning text messages about the consequences" after being detected.
The Mizan news agency, affiliated with the judiciary, and other government media reported that the police said, "This step aims to stop resistance to hijab law," adding that "such resistance distorts the spiritual image of the country and spreads insecurity." The police urged business owners to "seriously monitor compliance with social norms through diligent inspections."
A growing number of Iranian women have removed their hijabs since the death of a Kurdish young woman (22 years old) while in custody of the morality police in September. Mahsa Amini was detained on charges of violating hijab regulations, and security forces responded violently to the uprising.
According to the interpretation of Islamic Sharia in force in Iran since the 1979 revolution, women are required to cover their hair and wear long, loose clothing. Violators face public reprimand, fines, or detention.
