Tue Dec 03 23:00:00 UTC 2024: **Iranian President Hesitates on Strict New Hijab Law**
Tehran, December 4, 2024 – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has voiced strong reservations about a newly passed law that significantly increases penalties for women not wearing the hijab. The law, which awaits his signature by December 13th to take effect, imposes fines equivalent to up to 20 months’ average salary for violations, along with potential travel bans and restrictions on public services.
While Parliament has approved the legislation, President Pezeshkian, who campaigned on removing the morality police, expressed concerns on state television Monday night. He stated that the law risks further alienating the public and causing societal damage. The President’s hesitation follows widespread protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in custody in 2022, after she was arrested for allegedly violating the hijab dress code. Although the morality police have largely disappeared since the protests, they have not been officially disbanded.
The new law’s harsh penalties have prompted the President’s public display of doubt, leaving the fate of the legislation uncertain. His decision on whether to sign the bill is expected by December 13th.
First Piper 