In the bustling corridors of Tehran’s subway system, a new phenomenon has emerged, capturing the attention of social media and sparking widespread concern.
Images depict a group of men and women, many with obscured faces, identifying themselves as the ‘Ambassadors of Guidance.’ They are part of an unofficially recognized organization known as the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice. Their presence along subway corridors, particularly at the Enghelab Metro station, has become a contentious issue.
These individuals, positioned near exits, confront women perceived as not adhering to the hijab, the traditional Islamic headscarf. In some instances, they have been reported to photograph these women without their consent. Disturbingly, verbal assaults, particularly against women and girls, have escalated, with plainclothes individuals filming faces covertly.
The Farhikhtegan newspaper, while acknowledging the situation, downplays the presence of these hijab monitors. The paper describes their approach as ‘soft’ and their warnings as ‘non-serious.’ Yet, the report also sheds light on the complexity of these patrols, revealing an intricate network of observers and police.
This development raises critical legal and ethical questions, particularly regarding the capturing of images without consent and the legitimacy of these patrols. The report from Farhikhtegan newspaper delves into the multifaceted nature of hijab enforcement, questioning the legality of photographing subway passengers and the ambiguity surrounding the authority behind these actions.
These monitors, including a woman at the Valiasr-Jomhuri street intersection, remind passers-by of hijab requirements. They are often flanked by police officers, underscoring the quasi-official status of their actions.
Social media users have expressed concern over the tense atmosphere at Teatr-e Shahr (City Theater) metro station, citing confrontations between hijab monitors and women. This situation is symptomatic of the broader issue of enforced hijab in Iran, a contentious policy since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Women resisting this mandate face severe repercussions, including arrests and social ostracism.
The emergence of these hijab monitors in Tehran’s subway is emblematic of a larger struggle for individual freedoms and civil liberties in Iran. This struggle was starkly highlighted by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022, following her arrest for allegedly violating hijab laws. Her death triggered a wave of protests, described as the most significant challenge to the regime since 1979.
In response, the Iranian government has imposed internet blackouts, social media restrictions, and used tear gas and gunfire to quell dissent. These actions signify the regime’s determination to suppress opposition.
As Tehran grapples with these complex issues, the presence of hijab monitors in the subway reflects the ongoing struggle for human rights and individual freedoms in Iran. This struggle, epitomized by the tragic fate of Mahsa Amini, continues to resonate across the nation, challenging the oppressive policies and highlighting the enduring quest for liberty and equality.
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