Iranian authorities have subjected a woman, Roya Heshmati, to 74 lashes for “violating public morals” and fined her for not wearing a headscarf, as reported by the country’s judiciary. The judiciary’s Mizan Online website stated that Heshmati “encouraged permissiveness” by appearing in busy public places in Tehran without adhering to the dress code.
The incident is part of an ongoing crackdown on those defying strict dress codes in Iran, particularly the requirement for women to cover their neck and head since shortly after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. While whippings for breaching the dress code are uncommon, officials have intensified efforts to enforce the rules, especially after an increase in violations during anti-government protests that began in late 2022.
The protests were triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurd, in custody in September 2022. Amini was arrested for an alleged breach of the Islamic Republic’s strict dress code for women. Female demonstrators during the protests defied the dress code by casting off or burning their headscarves. This defiance led to an increased crackdown, and officials have installed surveillance cameras in public places to monitor violations. Additionally, businesses breaching the rules have faced closures.
Roya Heshmati, identified as a 33-year-old woman of Kurdish origins by the Kurdish-focused rights group Hengaw, was arrested in April for publishing a photo on social media without wearing a headscarf, according to her lawyer, Maziar Tatai. In addition to the 74 lashes for “violating public morals,” Heshmati was ordered to pay a fine of 12 million rials (around $25) for not wearing the Muslim veil in public.
The incident underscores the continued challenges faced by women in Iran who choose not to adhere strictly to the dress code. The enforcement of such rules has sparked debates and protests, with human rights activists advocating for greater freedom of choice regarding personal attire.
In response to the dress code violations during the 2022 protests, Iran’s parliament discussed a bill aimed at toughening penalties for those breaching the dress code. The discussions indicate an intention to strengthen the legal framework for enforcing dress codes, posing concerns among those advocating for women’s rights and personal freedoms.
The case of Roya Heshmati highlights the persistent struggle faced by women in Iran who challenge societal norms or express dissent through their attire. It also reflects the government’s determination to maintain strict control over public appearances, especially concerning the dress code for women. As debates continue regarding individual freedoms and the role of the state in regulating personal choices, incidents like Heshmati’s serve as poignant reminders of the ongoing complexities surrounding human rights and personal liberties in Iran.