The local branch of Turkish Airlines in Tehran was closed by police after female Iranian employees reportedly refused to adhere to Iran’s mandatory hijab law. Initially warned for non-compliance with hijab regulations, the employees’ resistance led to the office’s closure.
There are reports from the semi-official Tasnim news agency suggesting that the office may reopen on Wednesday, though police have not confirmed this. Turkish Airlines has not issued a statement regarding the incident.
This incident unfolds amid ongoing tensions and protests surrounding Iran’s mandatory hijab laws. The death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022 sparked widespread protests across Iran when she was arrested for not wearing a hijab. While these protests have subsided, some Iranian women continue to challenge the country’s religious governance by appearing in public without a headscarf.
Over the years, Iranian authorities have shut down numerous businesses, including shops, restaurants, pharmacies, and offices, for permitting female employees to go without headscarves. These enforcement actions intensified in the lead-up to Iran’s recent presidential election following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi.
Since the 1979 revolution, the hijab has been mandatory for women in Iran. Women who do not wear a headscarf or wear it incorrectly face potential fines or imprisonment. Recently, Iranian lawmakers have proposed stricter penalties under the Headscarf and Chastity Bill, which seeks to increase fines, jail time, and even use artificial intelligence for identifying violators.
Protests against Iran’s compulsory hijab law have been widespread, with violations resulting in various penalties, including fines and imprisonment. These movements, spearheaded by activists and citizens, represent a broader push for increased liberties and women’s rights within Iran’s societal framework.
These demonstrations are pivotal within the larger context of the Iranian Democracy Movement.
