With the installation of cameras in public spaces to catch women who violate the law, Iran has taken another step to impose its draconian hijab regulation on women. The move comes as numerous women have stopped wearing the hijab in protest of its imposition.

Iran to install surveillance cameras in public places to nab unveiled women

After two months of intense protest sparked by the custodial death of a 22-year-old woman Mahsa Amini arrested for allegedly violating the country's strict female dress code—headscarf—Iran has finally scrapped its morality police units, its top judicial officer reportedly said.

"Morality police have nothing to do with the judiciary" and have been abolished, Attorney General Mohammad Jafar Montazeri was quoted as saying late Saturday by the ISNA&nbsp;news&nbsp;agency.

The attorney general made these remarks on Saturday at a religious conference while responding&nbsp;to a participant who asked "why the morality police were being shut down", the report said.

The announcement came a day after Jafar Montazeri said that "both parliament and the judiciary are working (on the issue)" of whether the law requiring women to cover their heads needs to be changed.

However, he did not specify what could be modified in the law by the two bodies, which are both largely in the hands of conservatives.

The decision also comes in the wake of intense pressure from the opposition parties to abolish the morality police units.&nbsp;

On Saturday, the Union of Islamic Iran People Party, formed by relatives of former reformist president Mohammad Khatami, demanded that authorities “prepare the legal elements paving the way for the cancellation of the mandatory hijab law”.

The opposition also called for the Islamic republic to “officially announce the end of the activities of the morality police” and “allow peaceful demonstrations”, it said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/iran-hijab-protests-show-the-limits-of-people-power-523233">Iran hijab protests show the limits of people power</a>

The "Morality Police" or the Gasht-e Ershad or "Guidance Patrol" has been subject to international sanctions for the crackdown against protesters.&nbsp;It was established during the regime of hardline president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to "spread the culture of modesty and hijab". They began patrolling&nbsp;in 2006.

Women protesters have been burning&nbsp;their hijab, chopping their hair, shouting&nbsp;anti-government slogans and tossing&nbsp;turbans off Muslim clerics' heads&nbsp;since Amini's death on September 16.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/iran-hijab-law-under-review-says-attorney-general-state-body-reports-200-deaths-amid-protests-539764">Iran: Hijab law under review says attorney general; state body reports 200 deaths amid protests</a>

The crackdown against the protests has grown intense in the past few weeks, with more than 300 people losing their lives, according to&nbsp;Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The human rights groups, however, peg the number to be higher in the thousands.

The hijab headscarf became mandatory for all women in Iran in April 1983, four years after the Islamic Revolution that overthrew the US-backed monarchy.

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After two months of intense protest sparked by the custodial death of a 22-year-old woman Mahsa Amini arrested for allegedly violating the country's strict female dress code—headscarf—Iran has finally scrapped its morality police units, its top judicial officer reportedly said.

After two months of intense protest sparked by the custodial death of a 22-year-old woman Mahsa Amini arrested for allegedly violating the country's strict female dress code—headscarf—Iran has finally scrapped its morality police units, its top judicial officer reportedly said. "Morality police have nothing to do with the judiciary" and have been abolished, Attorney General Mohammad Jafar Montazeri was quoted as saying late Saturday by the ISNA news agency. The attorney general made these remarks on Saturday at a religious conference while responding to a participant who asked "why the morality police were being shut down", the report said. The announcement came a day after Jafar Montazeri said that "both parliament and the judiciary are working (on the issue)" of whether the law requiring women to cover their heads needs to be changed. However, he did not specify what could be modified in the law by the two bodies, which are both largely in the hands of conservatives. The decision also comes in the wake of intense pressure from the opposition parties to abolish the morality police units. On Saturday, the Union of Islamic Iran People Party, formed by relatives of former reformist president Mohammad Khatami, demanded that authorities “prepare the legal elements paving the way for the cancellation of the mandatory hijab law”. The opposition also called for the Islamic republic to “officially announce the end of the activities of the morality police” and “allow peaceful demonstrations”, it said in a statement. Also read | Iran hijab protests show the limits of people power The "Morality Police" or the Gasht-e Ershad or "Guidance Patrol" has been subject to international sanctions for the crackdown against protesters. It was established during the regime of hardline president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to "spread the culture of modesty and hijab". They began patrolling in 2006. Women protesters have been burning their hijab, chopping their hair, shouting anti-government slogans and tossing turbans off Muslim clerics' heads since Amini's death on September 16. Also read | Iran: Hijab law under review says attorney general; state body reports 200 deaths amid protests The crackdown against the protests has grown intense in the past few weeks, with more than 300 people losing their lives, according to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The human rights groups, however, peg the number to be higher in the thousands. The hijab headscarf became mandatory for all women in Iran in April 1983, four years after the Islamic Revolution that overthrew the US-backed monarchy. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

After two months of nationwide anti-hijab protests, Iran finally disbands morality police

Canada will host a meeting of female foreign ministers across the world to highlight Iran's "brutal" assault on protests sparked by the killing of Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini.&nbsp;

Melanie Joly, Canada's foreign minister made the&nbsp;announcement on Thursday (October 20). Joly's office stated that the state of women&nbsp;and human rights in Iran will be discussed by her and 14 others. It was further mentioned that they will also discuss ways to increase support for Iranians.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/16-year-old-iranian-schoolgirl-beaten-to-death-for-refusing-to-sing-anthem-praising-supreme-leader-526890">Also read |&nbsp;16-year-old Iranian schoolgirl beaten to death for refusing to sing anthem praising supreme leader</a>

As per reports, the virtual meeting will be joined by a foreign minister from Germany, Chile, Norway, New Zealand, and others.&nbsp;

The Canadian foreign minister said, "My counterparts and I will gather to send a clear message: the Iranian regime must end all forms of violence and persecution against the Iranian people, including their brutal aggressions against women in particular." 
The Guardian reports&nbsp;she further added that Canada will continue to show its support for women in Iran.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/23-kids-killed-during-crackdown-against-irans-anti-hijab-protests-un-526446">Also read |&nbsp;23 kids killed during crackdown against Iran's anti-hijab protests: UN&nbsp;</a>

Additionally, sanctions against six people and four entities, including Iran's Deputy Interior Minister Majid Mirahmadi, were imposed by Joly in response to human rights abuses in the country.&nbsp;

Protests in Iran began after 22-year-old Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini died on September 16, after being imprisoned by morality police in Tehran for three days due to her "inappropriate hijab."

Not just Canada, but people worldwide have criticised Iran for this. Several violent clashes broke out in the country leading to the death&nbsp;of many and injuries to&nbsp;several.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Canada will host a meeting of female foreign ministers across the world to highlight Iran's "brutal" assault on protests sparked by the killing of Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini.

Canada will host a meeting of female foreign ministers across the world to highlight Iran's "brutal" assault on protests sparked by the killing of Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini. Melanie Joly, Canada's foreign minister made the announcement on Thursday (October 20). Joly's office stated that the state of women and human rights in Iran will be discussed by her and 14 others. It was further mentioned that they will also discuss ways to increase support for Iranians. Also read | 16-year-old Iranian schoolgirl beaten to death for refusing to sing anthem praising supreme leader As per reports, the virtual meeting will be joined by a foreign minister from Germany, Chile, Norway, New Zealand, and others. The Canadian foreign minister said, "My counterparts and I will gather to send a clear message: the Iranian regime must end all forms of violence and persecution against the Iranian people, including their brutal aggressions against women in particular." The Guardian reports she further added that Canada will continue to show its support for women in Iran. Also read | 23 kids killed during crackdown against Iran's anti-hijab protests: UN Additionally, sanctions against six people and four entities, including Iran's Deputy Interior Minister Majid Mirahmadi, were imposed by Joly in response to human rights abuses in the country. Protests in Iran began after 22-year-old Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini died on September 16, after being imprisoned by morality police in Tehran for three days due to her "inappropriate hijab." Not just Canada, but people worldwide have criticised Iran for this. Several violent clashes broke out in the country leading to the death of many and injuries to several. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Canadian foreign minister to host virtual meeting with 14 others to discuss Iran protests

In an embarrassing episode for Iranian authorities, women portrayed on a giant billboard &nbsp;in a central square in Tehran asked it to be taken down objecting their depiction as supporters of the government and the compulsory-wearing of the hijab. The poster was a montage of about 50 Iranian women wearing the hijab under the slogan “Women of my Land”.

At least three of these women said they did not approve of their picture being misused, while the relatives of a few others objected.&nbsp;The billboard&nbsp;was then taken down within 24 hours.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/footage-of-anti-riot-forces-in-iran-sexually-assaulting-female-protester-provokes-fury-on-social-media-525555">Footage of anti-riot forces in Iran sexually assaulting female protester provokes fury on social media</a>

Award-winning actor Fatemeh Motamed-Arya was the first to speak up in a video. “I am not considered a woman in a land where young children, little girls and freedom-loving youths are killed in its fields," she said in the video without wearing a hijab.

“I am Mahsa’s mother, I am Sarina’s mother. I am the mother of all the children who were killed in this land. I am the mother of all the land of Iran, not a woman in the land of murderers,” she added.

Mahsa Amini was a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who died in police custody after being held by the morality police for not wearing the hijab properly. Her death sparked protests across Iran. Sarina Esmaeilzadeh was a 16-year-old who was killed by security forces at a protest, Amnesty International had said.

Film director Marzieh Boroumand was the next to come out, registering her anger in an Instagram post. “Gentlemen, remove my photo from the wall under which you oppressed children and young people. I will never allow any group inside or outside the country to use my cultural identity for their own benefit," she wrote.

Mountaineer Parvaneh Kazemi also denounced the use of her image on the billboard. “So angry to see my picture in this poster. It’s a shame that the name and image of us women are used only for abuse," said Kazemi, who has summited the Everest.

The son of the late actor Homa Rousta also objected to the use of his mother’s image.

“My mother, Homa Rousta was with people throughout her personal and artistic life and lived with dignity and pride. For years, you even censored her because of the name and position of her father, Reza Rousta. Now, after her death, you took possession of her image and installed it in a square where, thanks to you, I have witnessed the disgusting scene of intimidation and disrespect to men and women with my own eyes every day,” Kaveh Samandarian wrote on Instagram.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-reiterates-support-for-iran-protests-525552">We stand with 'brave women of Iran,' says Joe Biden</a>

Director and screenplay writer Reza Dormishian pointed out that the photo of an Iranian actor from one of his films had been put up on the billboard. He said another image was of the photojournalist, Nooshin Jafari, who is currently serving a four-year term for insulting the state.&nbsp;

The poster was later put up again minus the photos but with the same wording.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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In an embarrassing episode for Iranian authorities, women portrayed on a giant billboard in a central square in Tehran asked it to be taken down objecting their depiction as supporters of the government and the compulsory-wearing of the hijab.

In an embarrassing episode for Iranian authorities, women portrayed on a giant billboard in a central square in Tehran asked it to be taken down objecting their depiction as supporters of the government and the compulsory-wearing of the hijab. The poster was a montage of about 50 Iranian women wearing the hijab under the slogan “Women of my Land”. At least three of these women said they did not approve of their picture being misused, while the relatives of a few others objected. The billboard was then taken down within 24 hours. Also Read | Footage of anti-riot forces in Iran sexually assaulting female protester provokes fury on social media Award-winning actor Fatemeh Motamed-Arya was the first to speak up in a video. “I am not considered a woman in a land where young children, little girls and freedom-loving youths are killed in its fields," she said in the video without wearing a hijab. “I am Mahsa’s mother, I am Sarina’s mother. I am the mother of all the children who were killed in this land. I am the mother of all the land of Iran, not a woman in the land of murderers,” she added. Mahsa Amini was a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who died in police custody after being held by the morality police for not wearing the hijab properly. Her death sparked protests across Iran. Sarina Esmaeilzadeh was a 16-year-old who was killed by security forces at a protest, Amnesty International had said. Film director Marzieh Boroumand was the next to come out, registering her anger in an Instagram post. “Gentlemen, remove my photo from the wall under which you oppressed children and young people. I will never allow any group inside or outside the country to use my cultural identity for their own benefit," she wrote. Mountaineer Parvaneh Kazemi also denounced the use of her image on the billboard. “So angry to see my picture in this poster. It’s a shame that the name and image of us women are used only for abuse," said Kazemi, who has summited the Everest. The son of the late actor Homa Rousta also objected to the use of his mother’s image. “My mother, Homa Rousta was with people throughout her personal and artistic life and lived with dignity and pride. For years, you even censored her because of the name and position of her father, Reza Rousta. Now, after her death, you took possession of her image and installed it in a square where, thanks to you, I have witnessed the disgusting scene of intimidation and disrespect to men and women with my own eyes every day,” Kaveh Samandarian wrote on Instagram. Also Read | We stand with 'brave women of Iran,' says Joe Biden Director and screenplay writer Reza Dormishian pointed out that the photo of an Iranian actor from one of his films had been put up on the billboard. He said another image was of the photojournalist, Nooshin Jafari, who is currently serving a four-year term for insulting the state. The poster was later put up again minus the photos but with the same wording. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran: Billboard featuring famous women in hijab changed after objections over 'misuse' of photos

As anti-hijab protests engulf Iran, a senior Iranian political figure has called for the re-examination of the enforcement of compulsory hijab law. Ali Larijani, a former speaker of the Iranian parliament, also said that the protests have deep political roots, and are not simply the product of US or Israeli agitation. He said that extremist actions breed extreme response.

In an interview with an Iranian news site, Larijani said, “The hijab has a cultural solution, it does not need decrees and referendums. I appreciate the services of the police force and Basij [paramilitary militia], but this burden of encouraging the hijab should not be assigned to them."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/iran-hijab-protests-show-the-limits-of-people-power-523233">Iran hijab protests show the limits of people power</a>

“Do not doubt that when a cultural phenomenon becomes widespread, rigid response to it is not the cure. The people and young people who come to the street are our own children."

He also talked of Shah’s rule prior to 1979 saying that back then the hijab was not a compulsion and women wore it out of choice.

Larijani's comments showcase a divide that has now crept into the the political scene of the country following Mahsa Amini's death and the consequent protests across the country. The 22-year-old was arrested by Iran's so-called morality police for not wearing the hijab properly and later died in custody.

Iranian administration and supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have blamed western countries for the unrest. Authorities have also been trying to undermine the credibility of Amini's family. Protesters had called for a mass rally in Tehran on Wednesday. 
 
Tehran witnessed violence overnight besides in the Kurdish towns of Sanandaj, Saqez, Bukan and Dehgolan. Many shops also remained shut, while a demonstration led by the Tehran bar association was broken up by security forces.

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A blockade on the internet has also been imposed to stop people from gathering. The protests have now turned into an anti-government rally and efforts are being made to stop them.

Oslo-based Iran Human Rights Centre has put the death toll at over 200. Mostafa Tajzadeh, a popular reformist political was also sentenced to eight years in prison for colluding with others against the system.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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As anti-hijab protests engulf Iran, a senior Iranian political figure has called for the re-examination of the enforcement of compulsory hijab law. Ali Larijani, a former speaker of the Iranian parliament, also said that the protests have deep political roots, and are not simply the product of US or Israeli agitation.

As anti-hijab protests engulf Iran, a senior Iranian political figure has called for the re-examination of the enforcement of compulsory hijab law. Ali Larijani, a former speaker of the Iranian parliament, also said that the protests have deep political roots, and are not simply the product of US or Israeli agitation. He said that extremist actions breed extreme response. In an interview with an Iranian news site, Larijani said, “The hijab has a cultural solution, it does not need decrees and referendums. I appreciate the services of the police force and Basij [paramilitary militia], but this burden of encouraging the hijab should not be assigned to them." Also Read | Iran hijab protests show the limits of people power “Do not doubt that when a cultural phenomenon becomes widespread, rigid response to it is not the cure. The people and young people who come to the street are our own children." He also talked of Shah’s rule prior to 1979 saying that back then the hijab was not a compulsion and women wore it out of choice. Larijani's comments showcase a divide that has now crept into the the political scene of the country following Mahsa Amini's death and the consequent protests across the country. The 22-year-old was arrested by Iran's so-called morality police for not wearing the hijab properly and later died in custody. Iranian administration and supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have blamed western countries for the unrest. Authorities have also been trying to undermine the credibility of Amini's family. Protesters had called for a mass rally in Tehran on Wednesday. Tehran witnessed violence overnight besides in the Kurdish towns of Sanandaj, Saqez, Bukan and Dehgolan. Many shops also remained shut, while a demonstration led by the Tehran bar association was broken up by security forces. × A blockade on the internet has also been imposed to stop people from gathering. The protests have now turned into an anti-government rally and efforts are being made to stop them. Oslo-based Iran Human Rights Centre has put the death toll at over 200. Mostafa Tajzadeh, a popular reformist political was also sentenced to eight years in prison for colluding with others against the system. (With inputs from agencies)

Senior Iranian political figure calls for rethink of compulsory hijab law

In an extremely rare show of anger in Iran, schoolgirls heckled parliamentary speaker. He was present at the premises to deliver a speech but even before he could start, a group of girls took off their hijab and started chanting 'Get Lost'.

Iran: Schoolgirls remove hijabs, chant 'Get Lost Basij' slogans at parliamentary speaker

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