TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — The simple act of walking has become a display of defiance for a young Iranian woman who often moves in Tehran's streets without a compulsory headscarf, or hijab.
With every step, she risks harassment or even arrest by Iran's morality police whose job is to enforce the strict dress code imposed after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
"I have to confess it is really, really scary," the 30-year-old fire-safety consultant said in a WhatsApp audio message, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of repercussions.
But she is also hopeful, saying she believes the authorities find it increasingly difficult to suppress protests as more women join in. "They are running after us, but cannot catch us," she said. "This is why we believe change is going to be made."
The hijab debate has further polarized Iranians at a time when the country is buckling under unprecedented U.S. sanctions imposed since the Trump administration pulled out of a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers last year. It's unclear to what extent the government can enforce hijab compliance amid an economic malaise, including a currency collapse and rising housing prices.
There's anecdotal evidence that more women are pushing back against the dress code, trying to redefine red lines as they test the response of the ruling Shiite Muslim clergy and their security agencies.
An Associated Press reporter spotted about two dozen women in the streets without a hijab over the course of nine days, mainly in well-to-do areas of Tehran — a mall, a lakeside park, a hotel lobby.
#1: A K A Stone To: Pinguinite (#0)
Women should be allowed to dress like they want. They don't need to be told what to do by some goat fucker.
At least in Isreal they are civilized and don't opress their women like that.
Also you didn't answer if you were of Iranian decent. You kind of danced around that question.
I know one Iranian person. I worked for them in the past. The gentlemans name is Hamid and is married to a French woman. I like him a lot. He came over here in the 60's and teaches at a university. So there are good Iranians and kook muslim Iranians.
A K A Stone posted on 2019-07-15 07:51:39 Reply Private Reply
#2: Pinguinite To: A K A Stone (#1)
I support justice in all countries.
I agree, though the expletive is demeaning and inappropriate.
I believe that is true. But not true in Saudi Arabia. Do you support that monarchy?
Of course I did. You question is insulting. What difference would it make if I were? Would it make my arguments and points invalid, and eliminate the need to respond to them on-point?
As I consider reincarnation real for both muslims and christians and everyone else, it kinda makes judging people on the basis of origin or faith rather pointless.
Indeed there are good and bad people in all countries of all faiths. I remember back in the 80's meeting an Iranian and Iraqi in a McDonalds in Germany. The 2 countries were at war at the time but these guys were friends.
Pinguinite posted on 2019-07-15 12:32:47 Reply Private Reply
#3: A K A Stone To: Pinguinite (#2)
I didn't mean it as an insult. I sincerely wondered, as that would affect your view.
You are a stand up guy with good manners who debates fairly. We could all learn from the way you present yourself.
Good day.
Back to work.
A K A Stone posted on 2019-07-15 13:52:48 Reply Private Reply