Shocking: Iran Hijab Laws Now Enforced with Drones & Tech

The Background: The “Woman, Life, Freedom” Movement

The “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement, which began in September 2022, was sparked by the tragic death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini. Amini died in Tehran while in police custody for allegedly not wearing her hijab properly. Her death ignited widespread protests across Iran, with thousands of women and girls demanding human rights and equality.

The Death of Mahsa Amini: The Spark that Ignited the Movement

Mahsa Amini’s death was a turning point in Iran’s history, sparking a wave of protests that would go on to become one of the most significant human rights movements in the country. The 22-year-old’s tragic death highlighted the repressive nature of Iran’s hijab laws and the brutal treatment of women and girls who dared to challenge them.

The Protests of 2022: Demanding Human Rights and Equality

The protests that followed Amini’s death were a testament to the growing frustration and anger among Iranian women and girls. Thousands took to the streets, demanding an end to the oppressive hijab laws and calling for greater equality and human rights. The protests were met with brutal force by the Iranian authorities, who sought to crush the movement and maintain their grip on power.

The Ongoing Struggle for Women’s Rights in Iran

Despite the Iranian government’s attempts to suppress the movement, the struggle for women’s rights in Iran continues to this day. Women and girls remain determined to challenge the hijab laws and demand greater freedom and equality. The UN report highlights the ongoing repression of human rights in Iran, particularly for women and girls, and calls for greater action to be taken to address these abuses.

The Iranian Government’s Response

In response to the growing protests and demands for reform, the Iranian government has sought to further entrench its repressive policies. The creation of a “treatment clinic” for women who do not comply with the mandatory hijab laws is a stark example of the government’s attempts to control and manipulate women’s bodies.

The Creation of a “Treatment Clinic” for Non-Compliant Women

In November, the Iranian government announced the creation of a “treatment clinic” for women who do not comply with the mandatory hijab laws. This move has been widely criticized by human rights experts, who see it as a further attempt to control and repress women’s bodies.

Criticism from Within: The Iranian President’s Stance on Hijab Laws

Interestingly, Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has criticized his country’s hijab laws. This rare show of dissent from within the government has sparked hopes that there may be some movement towards reform. However, it remains to be seen whether Pezeshkian’s words will translate into meaningful action.

The Government’s Justification for Repressive Measures

The Iranian government has sought to justify its repressive measures by claiming that they are necessary to maintain public morality and order. However, human rights experts and activists argue that these measures are thinly veiled attempts to control and repress women’s bodies and maintain the government’s grip on power.

Highlights of the UN Report: Key Findings and Concerns

The UN report highlights the alarming extent to which the Iranian government is using drones and digital technology to enforce mandatory hijab laws. The report’s key findings and concerns are a stark reminder of the ongoing repression of human rights in Iran.

The report reveals that women and girls as young as 12 must wear a hijab in physical and online spaces. Violations can result in extended prison sentences of up to 15 years and substantially increased fines. Most concerning to human rights experts is the provision allowing judges to impose the death penalty under the charge of “corruption on earth.”

The Human Rights Council: Next Steps and Recommendations

The UN report will be presented to the Human Rights Council next week, where it is expected to spark widespread condemnation and calls for action. The council’s response will be closely watched, as it has the potential to shape the course of human rights in Iran for years to come.

Next Steps and Recommendations

The Human Rights Council is expected to call for greater action to be taken to address the ongoing repression of human rights in Iran. This may include calls for the Iranian government to repeal its hijab laws and to take concrete steps to address the discrimination and violence faced by women and girls.

International Outrage and Calls for Reform

The UN report has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from human rights experts and activists around the world. The report’s findings have highlighted the urgent need for reform and greater action to be taken to address the ongoing repression of human rights in Iran.

Sara Hossain, chair of the fact-finding mission, has spoken out about the criminalization, surveillance, and continued repression of protesters, families of victims and survivors, in particular women and girls, saying that it is “deeply worrying.”