The UN has accused Iran of ongoing serious human rights violations following Mahsa Amini’s death, particularly regarding hijab enforcement. Surveillance technology is used to monitor compliance, with penalties for nonconformity. Despite assurances of less strict enforcement, fears emerge over a potential new law. The report highlights repression against protests and dissenters within the country.
A United Nations group has reported that Iran has continued to commit serious human rights violations linked to the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022. The UN’s fact-finding mission, led by Sara Hossain, has raised alarms about the Iranian government’s enforcement of clothing mandates, particularly the hijab, calling into question ongoing abuses throughout the Islamic Republic.
The fact-finding mission has observed the use of surveillance technology to monitor compliance with hijab laws. Hossain stated, “We’ve seen evidence of surveillance being done through this particular app where people can… report if they see women… who don’t have the mandatory hijab.” Fines and warnings accompany noncompliance, and severe consequences can affect women’s vehicles.
Hossain remarked on the unusual technology applied to regulate women’s clothing, explaining that while facial recognition software is common for policing protests, it is particularly focused on enforcing hijab compliance in Iran.
Despite assurances from Iran’s new president to ease enforcement, concerns remain regarding a proposed hijab and chastity law that could result in stricter measures. Hossain noted the law has not yet been established, but the potential for its introduction is alarming.
The report also details the involvement of the Revolutionary Guards and their “ambassadors of kindness,” tasked with enforcing hijab regulations, along with continued arrests of women who defy these rules. The report highlights the harsh suppression of protests during 2022 and 2023, with efforts to silence protests extending to family members, journalists, and lawyers.
Hossain indicated the persistence of severe repression, stating, “We found quite severe repression of the protests back in 2022 and 23. This year… we’ve seen an attempt to kind of silence protesters.”
The UN report underscores ongoing human rights violations in Iran, particularly related to hijab enforcement. Technological surveillance of women’s clothing compliance raises widespread concerns. The potential enactment of a strict hijab and chastity law threatens further repression, compounded by the arrest of dissenters and suppression of protests. Overall, the Iranian government’s actions depict a disturbing trend of intensified human rights abuses since Mahsa Amini’s death.
Original Source: news4sanantonio.com
