Protests against Iran’s mandatory hijab rules set to resume

Discontent over Iran’s mandatory hijab rules and calls for clandestine demonstrations have reportedly resurfaced in recent days.

TodayPress TV reports that local activists and social media platforms have circulated information and videos about the developments.

As internal tensions within the regime and the economic crisis deepen, women and opposition groups are reportedly preparing for a new wave of protests through various platforms.

According to media activists and human rights defenders, although direct street raids by the “morality police” have partially declined in recent months, the authorities have increased “social and economic” pressure on women through workplaces, the service sector and cafés. Many cafés and commercial establishments that fail to comply with hijab regulations have been sealed. In response, women continue their passive resistance by abandoning head coverings on a large scale.

Alongside calls gaining traction on social media, clandestine resistance groups operating inside the country are organising actions targeting symbols of repression, government buildings and propaganda banners.

It is reported that the wave of mass executions in recent months, particularly the execution of people arrested during previous protests, was intended to instil fear in society. However, it has had the opposite effect, further fuelling public anger. Calls for women’s rights and against executions have converged into a unified protest movement.

Examples cited include calls made in the final days of September by 23 female political prisoners held at Tehran’s Evin Prison concerning the rights of women and girls, as well as hunger strikes by prisoners across the country that begin every Tuesday and last for 24 hours.

According to human rights organisations and defenders, preparations and calls for anticipated new protests against mandatory hijab rules now resemble those made after the death of Mahsa Amini, who died in the custody of Iran’s “morality police” in 2022.