Iranian authorities are reportedly preparing to introduce a new bill on hijab-wearing, raising concerns among experts about the potential for unprecedentedly harsh punitive measures. The 70-article draft law, yet to be passed, outlines various proposals that include longer prison terms for women who refuse to wear the veil, stricter penalties for celebrities and businesses violating the rules, and the use of artificial intelligence to identify women in breach of the dress code. The proposed bill serves as a stark reminder that the Iranian regime remains unwavering in its stance on the hijab, despite the massive protests that erupted last year following the death of Mahsa Amini. The 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman died while in custody of the morality police, allegedly for not adhering to the country’s conservative dress code.
The bill was submitted by the judiciary to the government for consideration earlier this year, then passed through the parliament’s Legal and Judicial Commission for approval. It is now scheduled to be presented to the Board of Governors before being introduced on the parliamentary floor in the following weeks. The parliament is expected to finalize the text and conduct a vote on the bill within the next two months. If the bill is passed, the penalties for failing to wear the hijab will be significantly intensified. Women found in breach of the dress code may face five-to-ten-year prison sentences and higher fines of up to 360 million Iranian rials (USD 8,508).
Such fines could be an immense burden for the majority of Iranians, given the prevalence of poverty in the country. Additionally, the bill mandates the Iranian police to employ artificial intelligence systems, including cameras in public places, to identify individuals who violate the hijab law. The use of AI technology raises concerns about privacy and potential abuses by authorities in enforcing the new regulations. Furthermore, business owners who fail to enforce the hijab requirement among their employees could face substantial fines, potentially amounting to three months of their business profits.
They may also be subjected to travel bans and restrictions on participating in public or online activities for up to two years. The hijab issue has long been contentious in Iran, with historical bans and mandates impacting women’s rights. The proposed bill signifies a renewed effort by the Iranian government to enforce conservative dress codes and suppress dissent, despite previous protests and international scrutiny. As the bill awaits parliamentary approval, experts and human rights advocates continue to express concerns about its potential impact on Iranian society and women’s rights. The global community watches closely, ready to respond to any further developments in this matter.