Iran's Draconian Hijab Law: Death Penalty Imposed for Non-Compliance, Global Reactions Intensify

Iran (The Uttam Hindu): Under new mandatory morality laws set to take effect this week in Iran, women could face severe penalties, including the death penalty or up to 15 years in prison. The legislation, designed to enforce the "culture of chastity and hijab," imposes harsh punishments on those accused of "promoting nudity, indecency, unveiling, or improper dressing." Repeat offenders could face fines as high as $15,700, flogging, or imprisonment ranging from five to 15 years. The law, which was approved by Iranian authorities earlier this month, has raised widespread concern.

Article 37 of the law further escalates penalties for individuals accused of promoting "indecency" or “improper dressing” to foreign entities, including international media and civil society organizations. Those found guilty could face up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to £12,500.

The most extreme penalty, however, is outlined in Article 286 of Iran's Islamic Penal Code, which permits the death penalty for actions deemed as “corruption on Earth.” This provision could potentially apply to women and girls who share videos of themselves without the hijab with foreign media or engage in peaceful activism.

Amnesty International has expressed serious concerns about the laws, warning that they criminalize peaceful dissent and the fight for women's rights. The organization also highlighted that the legislation appears to shield those who enforce compulsory veiling under the guise of fulfilling their "religious duty." Additionally, under Article 60 of the new law, anyone attempting to intervene or stop the arrest or harassment of women defying the mandatory hijab could face imprisonment or fines.

The law comes two years after nationwide protests erupted following the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who died in custody after being detained for not wearing her hijab properly. In the wake of her death, many Iranian women have publicly challenged the strict dress code. Recently, a video went viral showing a young Iranian student removing her clothes down to her underwear in apparent protest, which reportedly led to her being taken to a psychiatric hospital in Tehran.