Impact of Iranian Hijab Laws on Women's Rights- The tragedy of Mahsa Amini

                         

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King Jr

Recently, we have heard about a 22-year-old woman who has died in an Iranian hospital days after being detained by the regime’s morality police for allegedly not complying with the country’s hijab regulations. Now, the questions which arise here are firstly, what are these hijab regulations surpasses the human rights of an individual? Secondly, is authority or government, in this case ‘Morality Police’ are legally as well as morally correct in taking such actions? 

This case of an Iranian woman tragically losing her life allegedly due to a confrontation with the morality police over the country's mandatory hijab law sheds light on a deeply complex and controversial issue. If we trace about the history of Iran, it has been found that Iran's dress code regulations, specifically those concerning the hijab, have a historical backdrop dating back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Stricker dress codes were imposed in Iran when the Pahlavi monarchy was overthrown and the Islamic Republic was established.

Moreover, in August 2023, a bill named "Hijab and Chastity Bill" which would impose stricter penalties on women for not wearing headscarves. The Iranian MPs have voted to review this controversial hijab law and the irony is he asked it to discuss the voting behind closed doors, potentially to avoid the public outrage. Council of Guardians has a decision to take which allow to use Article 85 of Iran’s constitution which allows for a three to five- year trial period. 

Supporters of these laws argue that they make such laws, for me which are strict and inhumane laws, to safeguard traditional values and uphold religious sanctity. Whereas, Critics of the law contend that these laws will contribute to gender inequality and curtail the personal freedom of women. A study says, frustration have been expressed by women’s, over being compelled to conform to the dress codes and they feel the codes doesn’t resonate to their personal choices and believes. The tragic incident of Mahsa Amini allegedly dying after an altercation with morality police, highlights the abuse of power by the Iranian ‘Morality Police’. It also displays the dire consequences that can arise when state authorities forcefully enforce these regulations, which are no less than the autocratic rule.

This forceful enforcement of these hijab laws often raises questions about the nature of freedom and agency for Iranian women. Many women openly flout these regulations and termed them as a form of resistance, they believe that these codes act as a barrier for their autonomy and they have a notion that their rights should not be dictated by the state.

The technological era, or to be precise the advent of social media has allowed the hardships of the women to gain international attention and to defiance these cruel laws publicly. Social media also allow for sparking discussions about women’s rights and the role of religion in state or governance. 

Furthermore, the social media make this topic, the topic of international condemnation, earlier this tragedy has already sparked domestic outrage. Various human rights organizations have expressed concern over the alleged brutality and abuse by morality police, emphasizing the need for governments to respect the rights and dignity of their citizens. Iran's dress code policies have faced scrutiny in international forums, prompting debates about the balance between cultural and religious values and the universality of human rights. 

After such drastic pressure from international forums along with domestic demands for reforms, forced the bureaucrats of Iran for reforming the dress code regulations. They also argue that lenient approach will be followed, which would not only empower women but also align the country with the changing global landscape, fostering better diplomatic relations and promoting a more positive image internationally. However, these proposed reforms continue to be met with resistance from conservative factions within the country's leadership.

The tragic death of an Iranian woman allegedly due to a confrontation with morality police over the hijab law is a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for women's rights in Iran. The incident highlights the complexities surrounding the enforcement of such laws, as well as the broader implications for personal freedoms, gender equality, and international human rights standards. As Iran navigates its future, finding a balance between religious adherence, cultural identity, and individual autonomy will remain a critical challenge, shaping the path toward a more inclusive society. Furthermore, to suppress
such acts we should take collective actions to condemn such acts of human rights violation.

At last, my point of view regarding the tragedy is a feeling of empathy and consolation. I hope that these acts should be restricted and strict actions should be taken against those state which don’t follow these basic laws and regulations on human violations. All human rights organizations should work with hand in hand to condemn such issues of violence and make society a better place to live in.