Iran Cuts Off Mobile Services of Women Opposing Hijab

Authorities of the Islamic Republic have been disconnecting mobile services of women who speak against the mandatory hijab online, IranWire reports.

Twelve women from Tehran, Karaj, Arak, and Tabriz reported to IranWire that their mobile phone service was disconnected just hours after posting criticism of the Morality Police or mandatory hijab on social media.

One woman, following up on the disconnection, discovered that the order came from the Organization for Regulation of Communications.

Disconnecting phones for social media posts appears to be a new extralegal punishment used by the Iranian government.

Iran's "Chastity and Hijab Bill" includes "deprivation of government services" as a potential punishment. However, this bill has not been approved by the Guardian Council and does not explicitly mention cutting off mobile access.

Since April 13, Iran's law enforcement agencies have intensified the enforcement of hijab regulations under the national action plan "Nour." 

Incidents of arrests and the use of force against women perceived to be in violation of dress codes have been reported from across the country.

Users across social networks are participating in a spontaneous campaign using the hashtag "war against women" to document their experiences and observations regarding the government's crackdown on the opponents of mandatory hijab. 

Reports have surfaced detailing the application of repressive tactics, particularly on female students in various universities. 

Moreover, pressure on civil activists, political dissenters, women political prisoners, and cultural figures has also been mounting.