TEHRAN – Women in Iran are defying fresh attempts by authorities to use technology to enforce the compulsory dress code that has been a focus of continuing protests across the country.
In April, national police chief Ahmad Reza Radan announced the launch of a “smart” programme involving surveillance cameras to identify women failing to cover their hair or wear loose-fitting clothing in public despite the threat of fines or imprisonment.
He warned that those caught breaking the hijab law for a second time would be referred to courts, that cars carrying female passengers with uncovered hair would be confiscated, and that businesses turning a blind eye would be closed.
However, his announcement provoked derisive responses on social media, with women posting photos and videos of themselves not wearing the hijab in public spaces across the country.
For several years, people have reported receiving warning messages about dress code infringements inside their cars being identified by traffic control cameras.
But this is the first time that the authorities have threatened to confiscate cars or fine people for it.
“I received an SMS over a month ago that stated my licence plate number after a road trip I took with my female friends to the city of Damghan. We were mostly not wearing the hijab in our cars,” one woman told the BBC.
Other people have reported receiving similar messages, which warn them that their cars will be confiscated if they appear in public without the hijab again. The messages also include links to a website where they can contest the alleged offence. (BBC)
