Iran's new hijab law, which imposes heavier penalties for women who refuse to wear the mandatory Islamic headscarf in public, is being implemented "out of respect for women," according to Jamileh Alamolhoda, the wife of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
In an interview with ABC's "This Week," Alamolhoda defended the bill, stating that dress codes are common in every country and that hijab was a religiously mandated tradition that has now been turned into law. Violators of the hijab law could face up to 10 years in prison if the offense occurs in an organized way.
When asked about the punishment for women who choose not to wear the hijab, Alamolhoda stated that she does not specialize in law and cannot answer on a professional level. She emphasized that punishments for breaking the law are dispensed equally in many countries.
The bill was approved shortly after the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who had been detained by the morality police for violating the country's dress code. Amini's death sparked further defiance of the hijab law, leading to months of demonstrations and a government crackdown on dissent.
ABC's Martha Raddatz questioned Alamolhoda about the United Nations' estimate that over 500 people were killed and over 22,000 were detained during the government's crackdown on protests. Alamolhoda dismissed these figures as a "big lie" and claimed that such events can happen in any country. She attributed the unrest to the intentions of foreign governments, particularly blaming the United States.
Raddatz pressed Alamolhoda on the issue of Amini's death and the allegations of her being beaten while in custody. Alamolhoda denied these claims, stating that she was in constant contact with the medical personnel involved in the case and that Amini had pre-existing conditions. Amini's family strongly disputes this explanation for her death.
In a fiery speech to the United Nations, President Raisi called for the United States to change its course and align with Iran. He proclaimed that old powers are on a downward trajectory while Iran represents the future.
The implementation of Iran's new hijab law has sparked controversy and condemnation from human rights organizations. Critics argue that the law infringes on women's rights and freedom of expression. The United Nations has previously compared the law to "gender apartheid." The heavy penalties imposed on violators, including up to 10 years in prison, have raised concerns about the severity of punishment for a personal choice.
The Iranian government's response to the protests and dissent has also drawn international criticism. The high number of casualties and detentions during the crackdown has been condemned as a violation of human rights. The discrepancy between the government's account and the United Nations' estimate of the casualties further fuels skepticism about the transparency and accountability of the Iranian regime.
The controversy surrounding the hijab law and the government's response to dissent highlight the ongoing struggle for women's rights and freedom of expression in Iran. The debate over the hijab reflects broader discussions about individual autonomy, religious freedom, and the role of the state in regulating personal choices.
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