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Iran: death penalty, flogging, heavy prison sentences… what the new law on the obligation to wear the veil provides for

Two years after the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, arrested by the police for an improperly worn veil, the Iranian authorities are repressing women even more. This Friday, December 13, a new draconian law entitled “Protection of the family through the promotion of the culture of chastity and hijab”, should come into force in Iran. It imposes the death penalty, flogging, long prison terms and other harsh sanctions to crush current resistance to compulsory veiling.

“In a dangerous escalation, this law authorizes the imposition of the death penalty for peaceful activists against discriminatory laws on the compulsory wearing of the veil in Iran,” warns the NGO Amnesty International.

The law, which contains 74 articles, also provides for exorbitant fines, travel bans and restrictions on education and employment for women and girls who defy compulsory veil laws.

An already stifling system of repression

“This shameful law intensifies the persecution of women and girls who dare to defend their rights after the uprising Woman Life Freedom (Woman, Life, Liberty). The authorities are seeking to strengthen the already stifling system of repression against women and girls, while making their daily lives even more intolerable,” said Diana Eltahawy, deputy director of Amnesty’s Middle East and North Africa office. International.

But she defines “unveiling” as women and girls not covering their heads with a hijab, chador or headscarf. “Improper dress” for women and girls is defined as exposing any part of the body below the neck, other than the hands and feet, or wearing clothing that “contributes or encourages the commission of sinned by others.”

Article 37 of the law provides that “the promotion or propagation of nudity, indecency, unveiling or improper dress” in collaboration with foreign entities, including the media and societal organizations civil, can be punished by imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $12,000.

The international community called on “not to stand idly by”

Recently, the video of a young woman in her underwear, first sitting and then walking slowly in front of Azad University in Tehran, went viral on social networks.

VideoAhou Daryaei, this student who took off her clothes to protest against the harassment of militiamen

To establish its repression, the Iranian authorities in return offer immunity to any citizen wishing to fulfill their “religious duty” and impose the compulsory wearing of the veil on women. Conversely, anyone intervening or attempting to stop the arrest or harassment of women and girls defying compulsory veiling could themselves be imprisoned or fined under Article 60 of the new law.

Amnesty International calls on the international community “not to stand idly by” and to use “its influence to put pressure” on the Iranian authorities to have the law withdrawn.

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