Iran’s Morality Police to Resume Patrols, Enforcing Islamic Dress Codes

Iran’s morality police will once again be conducting patrols to ensure women comply with strict Islamic dress codes, according to state media. This announcement comes nearly 10 months after the death of a young woman in their custody sparked widespread protests across the country.

Saeid Montazeralmahdi, spokesman for Iran’s enforcement body, Faraja, stated that the police will resume both vehicle and foot patrols across the nation starting from Sunday. Initially, officers will issue warnings to women not complying with the dress codes. However, those who persist in breaking the norms may face legal consequences.

The morality police gained international attention in September of last year when the force arrested 22-year-old Mahsa Amini for wearing her hijab incorrectly. Tragically, she died just three days after her arrest while being held at a “re-education” center. The incident triggered massive protests that posed a significant threat to Iran’s ruling clerical regime.

In response to the widespread movement, the authorities resorted to violent measures to suppress the protests. Witnesses reported that the morality police swiftly disappeared from the streets of Tehran.

Human rights groups have expressed concerns about the morality police and their extensive powers. These officers have access to power, weapons, detention centers, and even control “re-education centers.” Detention facilities serve as a means to take women (and sometimes men) into custody for not complying with the state’s modesty rules. Inside these centers, detainees are forced to attend classes about Islam and the importance of the hijab. They are also required to sign a pledge adhering to the state’s clothing regulations before being released.

It’s worth noting that last year, Iran executed at least 582 people, marking a 75% increase from the previous year. Human rights groups argue that these executions are aimed at instilling fear among anti-regime protesters.

The decision to reinstate patrols by the morality police raises concerns about the violation of personal freedoms in Iran, particularly for women. Critics argue that such strict enforcement of dress codes is a reflection of the oppressive practices of the ruling regime.

Implementing these patrols not only represents a step backward for personal freedoms but also highlights the ongoing struggle for basic rights in Iran. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely as Iran grapples with these significant challenges.