Iran: Why Are Women Chopping Their Hair & Burning Their Hijabs?

Women in Iran are protesting against the harsh dress codes which are forcefully imposed on them, Check what is happening in Iran?

Last week 22-year-old Iranian woman Mahsa Amini was arrested by the police in Tehran, Iran. This is not the normal police. Iran is a strong Muslim country and have strict rules that all men and women must follow. The Government has imposed harsh dress code rules on women. Those judged not to be complying with Islamic dress code are not allowed to enter government offices and banks. Earlier this year, women were prohibited from appearing in advertisements. Under Iran's Islamic law, women over the age of seven have to cover their hair and wear long, loose-fitting clothes. Offenders face public humiliation, fines or arrest. Ultra Conservative people have called for harsh punishment and even lashes for women who disobey the hijab law.

On July 5 more strict laws on women’s dressing. She was arrested by the ‘Morality Police’. Dress code were passed by Iran President Ebrahim Raisi. Amini was arrested because the police found that she was not wearing a proper hijab. The police said she was taken to special morality police station to educate her on the proper way to dress as per Muslim laws. Now on friday 16th September 2022 Iran news reports say that she died after suffering a heart attack in jail. Following her death there was a huge outrage in Iran. Women claim that when Amini was arrested she was badly beaten in the police van. They allege that she was severely tortured by the police which is why she has died. Her family said that she was completely healthy and had no health problems. To protest her death women have been seen cutting their hair and burning their hijabs. Women activists are protesting against the government's oppressive rules on women. 

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi ordered an investigation into Amini's death. However the police say she was not beaten and died of a heart attack. There are severe protests against Iran’s Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Postings on social media included videos showing protesters chanting "Death to the dictator (Khamenei)". Drivers sounded their car horns to support protests in Tehran near Amini's hospital amid a heavy police presence. Authorities appeared to have restricted internet access in the capital Tehran to make it difficult for protesters to post videos on social media.

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