Tag: compulsory hijab

Roshanak Molaei Flogged in Qarchak Prison for Violating Hijab Laws

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Freedom of Expression, News, Women
compulsory hijab, HRANA, Qarchak Prison, Roshanak Molaei, Tehran, Varamin, روشنک مولایی

Roshanak Molaei Alishah, a 26-year-old Tehran resident, was released from Qarchak Prison in Varamin on Saturday, November 23, 2024, following the execution of a 14-lash sentence. Her case has drawn attention as she was initially subjected to street harassment but was instead arrested and prosecuted for non-compliance with mandatory hijab laws.

Ms. Molaei had previously been sentenced by Branch 1097 of the Ershad Court to 74 lashes and a two-year travel ban for “damaging public chastity.” Her sentence was reduced under a judicial provision deducting three lashes for each day of detention.

HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, reported that her trial was held via video conference on November 19. After the court issued its ruling, Ms. Molaei’s sentence was partially served during her time in detention. The remaining 14 lashes were carried out at the Qarchak Prison Execution Office before her release.

The case dates back to October 31, when a video circulated on social media showing a male motorcyclist harassing Ms. Molaei in the street. She confronted her harasser in the incident, which went viral. Instead of receiving support, Ms. Molaei was summoned by judicial authorities for violating hijab laws. Authorities reportedly filed a case against the motorcyclist for harassment as well.

A source close to Ms. Molaei told HRANA that she was first arrested on November 2 and taken to the Duty Branch of District 38 Prosecutor’s Office. She was briefly released that evening but was summoned again the following day. On November 4, she was re-arrested and transferred to Qarchak Prison.

Ms. Molaei’s case has highlighted ongoing concerns about the treatment of women in Iran, particularly those who challenge or are accused of violating strict hijab laws.

Widespread Arrests at Islamic Azad University Central Tehran for Alleged Hijab Non-Compliance

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News, Students, Women
compulsory hijab, HRANA, Islamic Azad University, Noor plan

On May 26, multiple reports surfaced of the arrest of female students at Islamic Azad University Central Tehran Branch due to alleged non-compliance with hijab regulations.

According to Amir Kabir news channel, at least 100 students were forcibly detained by police armed with guns and batons at the university gates. The students were taken to two vans and were only released after signing a commitment letter to adhere to hijab rules, with some being allowed to leave only after changing their veil.

This incident is part of the broader enforcement under the “Noor” plan, initiated on April 13 to intensify the enforcement of mandatory hijab laws. This has led to several reports of violent incidents and arrests concerning hijab regulations across the country.

In September, HRANA issued a detailed review of Iran’s “Bill to Support the Family by Promoting the Culture of Chastity and Hijab.” This bill has raised international alarms over escalating restrictions on women’s rights and freedoms.

Seven Women Arrested in Bushehr Province for Social Media Modeling

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Cultural, Freedom of Expression, News, Women
Bushehr, compulsory hijab

Authorities in Bushehr Province have arrested seven women for sharing social media content related to modeling, according to Rokna. Their Instagram posts were removed, and electronic devices were confiscated.

The arrests occurred as part of a police initiative called “Nour,” according to the police commander of Bushehr province. The seven women were reportedly involved in operating businesses: one woman worked as a model, four others were involved in creating media content, and two others served as photographers.

The police official stated that, following orders from judicial authorities, the eight social media pages associated with these women were taken down. The report did not specify the identities of the detainees or their current location.

Since April 13, 2024, Iran’s police have increased enforcement of hijab regulations as part of the national action plan “Nour.” Reports suggest instances of arrests and use of force against women deemed to be improperly dressed.

Sedigheh Vasmaghi Indicted for Alleged Propaganda against Iran’s Regime and Public Appearance without Hijab

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Freedom of Expression, News
compulsory hijab, Evin Prison, Sedigheh Vasmaghi

Sedigheh Vasmaghi, an analyst specializing in political and social issues, faces indictment from Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

An Instagram page linked to Vasmaghi confirmed her indictment on March 18, citing charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “public appearance without hijab.” The indictment highlights Vasmaghi’s social media criticism as evidence.

Concerns over Vasmaghi’s health have been raised due to reported increases in heart rate and blood pressure during her detention. Despite her urgent need for medical attention, prison officials allegedly withhold treatment due to her refusal to comply with mandatory hijab rules.

Vasmaghi was apprehended by security forces on March 16, 2024, and subsequently transferred to Evin Prison.

This is not the first instance of legal action against Vasmaghi for her activism.

Confrontation in Qom Clinic Sparks Outrage: Legal Actions Against CCTV Publishers

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News
compulsory hijab, Hassan Gharib, Hijab, Qom, religious vigilantes

A recently circulated video has ignited public anger against a cleric, revealing an altercation between a woman, holding her sick newborn, and this cleric attempting to discreetly film her, due to perceived violations of hijab norms in a medical clinic in Qom. The incident sheds light on the persistent issue of harassment by hijab enforcers and religious vigilantes.

According to Mizan, the judiciary’s news agency, Qom prosecutor Hassan Gharib announced that legal action would be taken against those who surfaced the CCTV video and shared it with media outside Iran, charging them with “agitation of the public.” Gharib claimed to have identified the individuals responsible for sharing the footage, referring to them as “disruptors of order.”

While supporting the cleric’s actions, Gharib emphasized backing religious vigilantes adhering to the Islamic duty of “Enjoining good and forbidding wrong,” as long as they adhere to the established conditions for this duty. Contrary to reports, he denied the closure of the clinic by judicial authorities and asserted that no arrests had been made in connection to the incident.

Critics, including human rights experts, consistently argue that the concept of “Enjoining good and forbidding wrong” represents blatant interference in individuals’ personal matters, often leading to vigilantism and societal violence.

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Sepideh Rashnu Faces Four-Month Sentence on Appeal Amidst New Legal Challenges

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Freedom of Expression, News
compulsory hijab, Milad Panahi Pour, Sepideh Rashnu, Tehran Court of Appeal

Sepideh Rashnu, a student and vocal opponent of compulsory hijab, has been handed a four-month prison sentence by the Tehran Court of Appeal, as reported by Shargh Newspaper. Her lawyer, Milad Panahi Pour, disclosed that she is concurrently grappling with yet another legal case.

Rashnu was found guilty of “disseminating vulgar images on the Internet.” Panahi Pour clarified that, following the initial verdict, they filed an appeal. However, yesterday they were notified about the appellate court’s decision while en route to present their defense.

In addition to the ongoing legal proceedings, a new case has been initiated against Mrs. Rashnu, triggering the activation of a previously suspended three-year, seven-month sentence. Consequently, she is now facing a cumulative prison term of three years and eleven months.

This isn’t the first time Rashnu has encountered legal challenges stemming from her refusal to adhere to hijab rules. She had previously received a two-semester suspension from the university. Moreover, on July 16, 2022, security forces arrested her following an altercation on a city bus, during which she was harassed and physically assaulted by a woman who deemed her hijab improper.

Tourism Professionals Niloofar Ghazaleh and Mohammad-Ali Moghimi Arrested in Isfahan

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Freedom of Expression, News
compulsory hijab, Hijab regulations, Isfahan, Khur and Biabanak, Mohammad-Ali Moghimi, Mohsen PourBafrani, Niloofar Ghazaleh

Niloofar Ghazaleh and Mohammad-Ali Moghimi (Rahab), a couple actively involved in the tourism industry, found themselves in the custody of security forces in Isfahan.

The arrests were carried out under the directive of Judge Mohsen PourBafrani, who presides over the jurisdiction of Khur and Biabanak County.

At present, the specific reasons for their arrests, their current location, and the charges lodged against them remain undisclosed.
Moghimi is the head of the Union of Tourism Cooperative Companies in Isfahan Province. It is worth noting that Ghazaleh had previously received a five-year prison sentence for “publishing photos without hijab.” Additionally, their tourist accommodation in Khur has faced the brunt of PourBafrani’s orders.

This development coincides with recent efforts by the regime to enforce hijab regulations, leading to the closure of thousands of businesses for non-compliance. The situation raises concerns about the broader implications of these enforcement measures on individuals engaged in various sectors within the country.

Student Sepideh Rashnu Receives Six-Month Prison Sentence and Additional Penalties

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Freedom of Expression, News
compulsory hijab, Sepideh Rashnu

Sepideh Rashnu (Rashno), a student widely recognized for her opposition to compulsory Hijab, has been sentenced to six months in prison, along with additional penalties.

Rashnu publicly announced on social media that she has been sentenced to six months in prison, fined, and prohibited from using Instagram for one year. Furthermore, the court has ordered the permanent removal of her Instagram page.

The court session, held in absentia on October 2, 2023, addressed charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “incitement to immorality and indecency.”

Prior to this sentencing, Rashnu had already been suspended from the university for two semesters for alleged “non-compliance with the Islamic dress code.”

Her activism has previously led to arrests and convictions.

Elham Farshad Recevies Three Years and Eight Months in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
compulsory hijab, Elham Farshad, Nowshahr

The Nowshahr Criminal Court has issued a three-year, eight-month prison sentence to Elham Farshad. The exact charges against her remain undisclosed.

Elham Farshad, 29 years old, was arrested at her residence on July 13, 2022, by security forces. Subsequently, she was released on bail, amounting to 500 million Tomans (approximately 10,000 dollars).

Her arrest is connected to a confrontation with a cleric who had been harassing her due to what he deemed an improper dress code. This incident gained significant attention within Persian communities on social media.

Soraya Rezaie Mahvar Arrested for Criticizing Compulsory Hijab

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Freedom of Expression, News
compulsory hijab, Soraya Rezaie Mahvar

On August 1, Soraya Rezaie Mahvar, the Business Development Manager at Myket Company, an Iranian Android app store, was arrested by security forces after posting criticisms of the compulsory Hijab on social media.

A media channel with close ties to security institutions published the video footage of Rezaie Mahvar’s arrest, as well as some of her tweets. However, the report did not disclose the specific reasons behind her arrest or the location of her detention.

This arrest serves as a poignant example of the Iranian regime’s escalating legal measures to enforce the compulsory wearing of the hijab on women in recent months. Concerns over the protection of individual rights and freedom of expression continue to mount as such cases emerge.