As the second anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death approaches on September 16, 2024, Iranian women are increasingly seen without hijabs, defying the government's strict dress code. Amini died in 2022 after being arrested by the morality police, an incident that sparked widespread protests under the slogan 'Women, Life, Freedom.' These protests resulted in over 500 deaths and approximately 22,000 detentions, highlighting the severe repression faced by those advocating for women's rights in Iran. Despite the government's efforts to enforce hijab laws, many women are choosing to remove their hijabs, particularly after sunset, signaling a growing resistance to state-imposed dress codes. The newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian, who took office in July 2024, has promised to reduce harassment against women, yet the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei continues to maintain strict control over societal norms. The government has ramped up surveillance and enforcement against women who defy hijab laws, reflecting the ongoing tension between state authority and individual freedoms. Sociologist Simin Kazemi noted that the hijab issue has become a more prominent topic in public discourse, indicating a shift in societal attitudes towards women's rights and personal autonomy in Iran. [6855051a]
In Afghanistan, the Taliban has codified new morality laws that require women to cover their faces in public and men to grow beards. This 35-article law, enforced by the Ministry for the Prevention of Vice and Propagation of Virtue, includes severe penalties for violations, such as detention and property confiscation. Reports indicate that over 13,000 individuals have been detained for various infractions in the past year, underscoring the Taliban's stringent approach to morality and public conduct. The international community has condemned these ongoing restrictions on women's rights since the Taliban's takeover in 2021, raising concerns about the implications for gender equality and human rights in Afghanistan. [cfe259e1]
In Iran, the enforcement of hijab laws has led to protests and controversy, especially with the return of the morality police to ensure compliance. Reports of harassment and violence by the morality police have surfaced, highlighting the ongoing struggle for women's rights in the country. The anniversary of Amini's death has reignited discussions about religious freedom and women's rights, with the UN criticizing Iran's dress code laws as a form of gender apartheid. [3f840cf7]
Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, women's rights activist Manahel Al-Otaibi has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for her choice of clothing and social media posts advocating for the end of the male guardianship system. Al-Otaibi was arrested in November 2022 for violating anti-cyber-crime laws by wearing 'indecent clothing' and promoting the hashtag 'Abolish male guardianship.' Human rights groups have condemned her sentencing, calling for her release and highlighting the ongoing repression of women's rights in the kingdom. [a082c0fb]
In France, the ban on women athletes wearing hijabs has faced scrutiny ahead of the Olympic Games, with Amnesty International criticizing the policy as discriminatory. The bans extend to several sports and have resulted in many women dropping out of sports they love. The International Olympic Committee has refused to intervene, stating that the issue falls outside its remit. Amnesty International has urged the French authorities to overturn these bans, emphasizing the negative impact on the participation of Muslim women and girls in sports. [be064a35]
In Algeria, athlete Imane Khelif faced a gender controversy during the Olympics, with allegations regarding her biological sex. The IOC cleared her to compete, but she has since been subjected to online harassment. French prosecutors have opened an investigation into the cyber harassment she faced, marking a broader concern about hate crimes connected to the Olympics. Khelif's case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by athletes regarding gender identity and rights in sports. [3f840cf7]