The Iranian government has now resorted to sending its women for psychological treatment for not wearing hijab. This is an effort to enforce mandatory hijab regulations, which are currently banned in Iran.
As reported by ANI, several healthcare organisations have cited the action as evidence that the government is unable to uphold hijab rules and these organisations have also drawn flak for the misuse of psychological therapy.
Hijab debate : Is it a Choice?
A chain of protests broke out in over 80 cities of Iran after the death of a 22-year-old Kurdish woman. Mahsa Amini was confronted by the morality police on charges of wearing an ‘inappropriate hijab’, on 13th September in Iran’s capital city of Tehran. She was brutally beaten while being forcibly taken to “Vozara Detention Center,” according to eyewitnesses. She went into a coma after a few hours and passed away three days later.
This incident created a nationwide debate over the acceptance of wearing hijab. Over a hundred thousand people took to the streets, with increasing frustration with Iran’s oppressive dictatorial regime led by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, calling for the repeal of the law that imposes a strict dress code and mandatory hijab.
Evolution of ‘Hijab’ Over The Years, Brutal Killing of Iranian Woman Latest to Trigger Protests
The collective resistance has gained attention all over the world and many politicians, influencers and celebrities have criticized the police publicly. Women are burning their hijabs, cutting their hair, and rebelling for freedom with men raising their voices in solidarity. They are currently destroying all Islamic symbols while screaming, “Take your Islam and go.” The public removal of the state-mandated hijab has evolved into a symbol of rejection of the regime, unifying Iranians of all religious backgrounds.
While on the other hand, The Iranian government and their police forces have responded to these protests with extreme hostility by firing bullets and tear gas, and arresting and killing over 50 protestors. To prevent protesters from sharing photographs and information about the backlash to the outside world, Iran has enforced severe regulations on internet usage. There was almost no internet access for Iranians for a long time. However, the Biden administration initiated the relaxation of restrictions on internet services in Iran. Hackers have attacked the two primary websites of the Iranian government as well as other media websites. The authorities are eager to disconnect people from online platforms as they attempt to broadcast material utilizing multiple VPNs.
These revolts are being crushed by pro-government demonstrations, who are also demanding the execution of anti-government protests. The Iranian army indicated that they were prepared for an assault. The police were also spotted with deadly weapons in an attempt to combat the commoners of Iran.
Hijab Revolution in Iran
Iran’s ruler Reza Shah Pahlavi in 1936 banned the hijab as a part of his efforts to mirror the Western practices. However, the ban was later ended after five years by his son, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. But still, after that several middle and upper-class Iranian women chose not to wear hijab.
Although, after the Islamic Revolution of 1979, some women who helped overthrow the Iran ruler embraced back the hijab. But several other women protested a decision by Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini ordering the hijab to be worn in public. Later in 1983, wearing hijab became a law, enforced with penalties including fines and two months in prison.
Iran’s Mahsa Amini Protests: Spontaneous Uprising Against the Tyranny
