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Iran: Pezeshkian blocks headscarf sanctions law

The Iranian president vetoes the headscarf sanctions law, referring it back to the Supreme National Security Council for further amendments

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has blocked the law providing for stricter sanctions for women who do not comply with the strict dress code imposed in the Islamic Republic, referring it back to the Supreme National Security Council. The decision is motivated by the possible social consequences of the legislation, according to Ali Rabiei, an advisor to the president, as reported by the Hamashahri newspaper.

The law, in its version approved by parliament and the Guardian Council, provided for high fines and heavy penalties for women who do not wear the veil properly. Among the harshest measures were a ban on practising the profession, a ban on expatriation and the confiscation of 5% of assets, especially for prominent personalities.

The postponement of the implementation of the law follows the request of the Supreme National Security Council, which asked for a revision of the text with possible amendments. Pezeshkian hopes that an amended version can be submitted to parliament again.

Protests against headscarf regulations continue to be a hot topic in Iran, especially after the death of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested two years ago for not wearing her headscarf properly. Only yesterday, singer Parastoo Ahmadi came under the authorities’ crosshairs for performing without a veil and wearing a low-cut dress.

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