Women Across Iran Defy Regime by Refusing to Wear Hijabs

Women Across Iran Defy Regime by Refusing to Wear Hijabs

Women Across Iran , Defy Regime by Refusing , to Wear Hijabs.

NPR reports that while the hijab remains the official law in Iran, many women around the country are removing them in protest.

The movement comes in the wake of anti-government protests following the killing of Mahsa Amini while in police custody.

The 22-year-old Kurdish woman had been arrested for improperly wearing her hijab.

NPR reports that the government responded to the protests with a brutal crackdown.

According to rights groups, hundreds of people were killed, while thousands of others were arrested.

Previously, Iran's hijab law was enforced by the government's morality police.

NPR reports that there appears to be a pause in the government's typical enforcement approach since last fall.

I think the government really is putting itself at risk if it chooses to reinforce the hijab law in a very draconian way, Sanam Vakil, deputy director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House, via NPR.

According to Sanam Vakil, deputy director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House, the Iranian political establishment is weighing how to enforce hijab laws.

There are conservatives that have tried to suggest that reform or outreach and bridge building to protesters is important, Sanam Vakil, deputy director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House, via NPR.

But you also have hardline conservatives who see compromise as an avenue that will invite further protests and challenge, Sanam Vakil, deputy director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House, via NPR