After the mass protests in Iran, the morality police disappeared from the streets. As of today, she is to monitor the headscarf requirement for women again. The protests were triggered by the death of the Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini in police custody.
Iran’s authorities have announced the return of the notorious moral guardians to enforce the headscarf requirement. From Sunday, units of the responsible morality police are to take action against violators across the country with patrols on foot and in cars, the Isna news agency reported, citing a spokesman for the Iranian police.
Amini in police custody died
After the massive protests in autumn 2022 against the country’s political and religious leadership, the notorious units had disappeared from the streets of the major cities. The demonstrations were triggered by the death of the Iranian Kurd Jina Mahsa Amini. The young woman died in police custody after being arrested for breaking Islamic dress codes. Iran’s security apparatus brutally suppressed the protests.
In recent months, many women have demonstratively ignored the headscarf requirement, also as a sign of silent protest. The state reacted, among other things, with a controversial draft law that is to be voted on in parliament shortly. The law provides new and harsh penalties for violations.