🔥 Gündem Understanding the Hijab Protests in Iran

The mandatory hijab law in Iran, a requirement since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has been a persistent source of contention and protest, with significant developments occurring in recent years ¹⁶.

Historical Context of Mandatory Hijab in Iran

Following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Ayatollah Khomeini, the supreme leader of the new Islamic Republic, mandated the wearing of the hijab for all Iranian women ⁶. This imposition led to various movements by activists and ordinary citizens challenging the law and seeking greater freedom and rights for women ⁶. Article 638 of the 5th book of the Islamic Penal Code, titled "Sanctions and deterrent penalties," underpins the legal framework for compulsory hijab ¹.

Mahsa Amini's Death and Widespread Protests (2022)

The issue gained significant international attention and intensified protests in September 2022 following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini ¹²⁷. Amini was arrested by the Guidance Patrol (also known as the "morality police") on September 13, 2022, for allegedly violating Iran's mandatory hijab law ². She fell into a coma and died on September 16, 2022 ⁷. Human rights organizations reported that Amini sustained severe beatings at the hands of Iranian security forces ⁹.

Amini's death ignited nationwide protests described as "unlike any the country had seen before," the "biggest challenge" to the government, and the "most widespread revolt" since the 1979 Islamic Revolution ². Protests began at Amini's funeral in Saghez, where women removed their veils and cut their hair in solidarity ³. This act quickly spread across almost all cities in Iran, with women burning their hijabs and cutting their hair as symbols of defiance ³. The inscription on Amini's tombstone reads in Kurdish: "Jîna gyan to namirî. Navet ebête remz" (Jina dear, you will not die. Your name will become a symbol) ¹⁰.

The Iranian government, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, dismissed the widespread unrest as "riots" and attributed them to a foreign plot ¹⁰. The protests led to numerous arrests and death sentences for individuals charged with crimes punishable by death, following trials widely criticized by human rights organizations ⁸.

Current Status of Hijab Law (2024-2026)

Despite the widespread protests and international condemnation, the mandatory hijab law remains in force in Iran as of 2026 ⁴. Baseless posts claiming the abolition of the hijab rule have spread online, but human rights groups confirm that the law is still active ⁴. Bahar Ghandehari, director of advocacy at the Center for Human Rights in Iran, stated that the Iranian Penal Code continues to require hijab-wearing ⁴.

In response to continued defiance, Iranian authorities have intensified their crackdown on women violating the veiling rules. This includes measures such as shutting down cafes and shops for "violation of norms" ⁵. The Islamic Penal Code criminalizes appearing in public without an "Islamic hijab," although it does not precisely define what constitutes an "Islamic hijab" ⁵. Hossein Shariatmadari, editor of the Kayhan newspaper, has emphasized the government's intention to enforce the hijab law "in a widespread manner in society" ⁵.