‘Ambiguities in the Law’: Iran Pauses Implementation of Draconian Hijab Legislation

Latest Developments

Law Would Have Imposed Severe Penalties: Iran’s National Security Council on December 16 paused the implementation of a controversial “Hijab and Chastity” law that would harshen the penalties against women who fail to comply with the Islamic regime’s draconian laws on wearing the hijab, or headscarf. The law, which Iran’s parliament approved in September 2023, would have carried an $800 fine for the first offense, $1,500 for the second offense, and up to 15 years in prison for a third offense.
President Opposed the Law: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was critical of the law, saying, “There are ambiguities about this law, which would not be easy to enforce,” and arguing as well that it “would undermine national solidarity.” The death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini at the hands of Iran’s morality police in September 2022 — after being detained for allegedly wearing her hijab improperly — sparked nationwide protests and a government crackdown. The Iranian authorities have killed at least 645 protesters and arrested some 25,000 others since protests began.
Singer Arrested and Released: On December 15, 27-year-old Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi was arrested in her hometown of Sari in northern Iran, along with two male band members, after posting a virtual concert streamed on YouTube. In the video, she eschewed her hijab and wore a sleeveless dress that exposed her shoulders. In Iran, women are required to wear a hijab in public and are not allowed to sing in front of men unless they are part of a backing group. Parastoo was interrogated and released at 3 a.m. the following day after her arrest caused widespread outrage.

FDD Expert Analysis

“The regime is under pressure on multiple fronts. It views the hijab law as a tool to consolidate its hardcore Islamist base while diverting attention from the worsening economic hardships and regional setbacks. However, the regime has effectively lost the hijab battle to Iranian society. Its latest retreat reflects concerns among some regime insiders that waging a war against the people over this issue will further destabilize the regime instead of consolidating its base.” — Saeed Ghasseminejad, Senior Iran and Financial Economics Advisor

“Iran’s arrest of Parastoo Ahmadi reflects its radical Islamism: Even harmless entertainment is subject to state control. The Islamic Republic seeks not merely to secure absolute power over Iran but also to indoctrinate the population in accordance with its theology. However, as protests across the country have long demonstrated, the Iranian people have little patience for the regime’s brutal creed and want meaningful democratic change.” — Tzvi Kahn, Research Fellow and Senior Editor