Crackdown on Hijab Violators: Hundreds of Vehicles Impounded in Iranian Province

Police in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province say they have impounded 439 vehicles and initiated legal proceedings against a number of women accused of non-compliance with the Islamic Republic’s mandatory headscarf laws.

Provincial police commander Ali Mohammadi said on August 10 that women who disregard police warnings about hijab violations "will be referred to the judicial system."

He declined to provide the number of women facing legal cases.

Mohammadi also said that restaurant and coffee shop owners are responsible for ensuring that their customers comply with hijab regulations and warned that those who fail to do so could face legal consequences.

According to Saeed Montazer al-Mahdi, the police command spokesperson, a total of 991,176 SMSs were sent to vehicle owners across Iran between April 15 to June 15 warning them to abide by the compulsory hijab rules. As many as 2,000 vehicles were impounded during that period of time, he said.

The intensifying crackdown on women flouting the Islamic Republic’s strict dress code comes as parliament amended the government's Hijab and Chastity bill from 15 articles to 70.

The proposed legislation, which would impose harsher penalties for hijab violations, has been met with widespread criticism from human rights groups.