The recent increase in morality police checks in public spaces in Tehran has stirred controversy and concern among the population. Since the launch of a new operation on April 13, 2024, there has been a surge in surveillance, predominantly targeting women.
Videos circulating on social media have captured instances where morality police units scrutinized the conduct of women in crowded squares in central Tehran. Shockingly, footage even showed women being compelled into minibuses for alleged violations.
These heightened controls unfold in a period of escalating tensions in the Middle East, highlighted by the war in Gaza and Iran’s response against Israel on the same date.
Witnesses have attested to the severity of these checks, prompting worry and outrage among residents. A 27-year-old woman expressed that the actions seemed more symbolic, intending to instill fear.
Another 22-year-old woman emphasized that although women are now allowed to wear their veil in the presence of the police, this coercion would only fuel resistance against the hijab and the prevailing system.
Even a religious woman voiced reservations about this intensified police strategy, believing that genuine religious conversion and adherence to dress codes should be voluntary, not enforced through threats.
In response to growing defiance against the strict dress code imposed by conservative religious factions since 2022, measures are being taken to counter this trend.
The protests in 2022 erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini, a young Iranian Kurdish woman who passed away following her arrest by morality guards for breaching the veil mandate.
The current wave of increased repression raises critical questions about individual freedoms, women’s dignity, and the justification for excessive police oversight in public spaces. It is hoped that dialogue and reflection will prevail over coercion and fear, fostering a more harmonious future that upholds the rights of all individuals.
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For an external article link discussing the Iranian morality police, you can also visit:
6. [External Article Link on Iranian Morality Police Crackdown on Headscarf Violations Nationwide](https://www.pulse.ng/news/world/iranian-morality-police-crack-down-on-headscarf-violations-nationwide/rkrn232)