Iran’s main reform party on Saturday urged the state to rescind the veil requirement after the death of a young woman in police custody sparked nationwide protests.
Under a law in force in the country since 1983, women, Iranians and foreigners and whatever their religion, must go outside with their heads covered with a veil and their bodies covered with a loose garment of varying length.
Mahsa Amini, 22, was arrested on September 13 in Tehran for “wearing inappropriate clothing” by the morality police, responsible for enforcing the Islamic Republic’s strict dress code. She died three days later at the hospital.
The Popular Union of Islamic Iran, made up of relatives of former reformist president Mohammad Khatami (1997-2005), said that it “demands” the authorities to “prepare the legal elements that pave the way for the ‘cancellation of the compulsory hijab law’ , according to a statement issued on Saturday.
night demonstrations
This formation, which is not in power, also demands that the Islamic Republic announce “officially the cessation of the activities of the morality police” and “authorize peaceful demonstrations,” the text adds.
The party also called for the formation of an “impartial” commission of inquiry into Mahsa Amini’s death and the “immediate release of those recently arrested”.
The death of the young woman sparked nightly protests in the main cities of Iran in which at least 35 people died, according to an official report. Several hundred protesters were also arrested.
In the northern province of Guilan alone, “739 rioters including 60 women” were arrested, its police chief said, according to the Tasnim news agency, speaking of the protesters.
Source: BFM TV
