Mehsa Mehdili: For the Iranian Regime, the Hijab Is More of a Political Issue Than a Religious One

Alirza Quluncu, Voice of America, June 11, 2024

Mehsa Mehdili

The Iranian government continues to aggressively implement its new "Noor Project," aimed at tightening control over women's clothing, even as the country approaches elections—a time when the political atmosphere usually softens.

In an interview with Voice of America, political analyst Mehsa Mehdili emphasizes that the issue of mandatory hijab has always been more of a political matter than a religious one for the Islamic Republic. According to her, the authorities, fearing the growing resistance against compulsory hijab in society, are no longer willing to show any leniency.

"At one point, there were reports suggesting that there would be some relaxation in the enforcement of dress codes for women. However, it was clear that the regime would not take a step back on this issue because it is one of its fundamental pillars. The regime is, by its very nature, a religious dictatorship—a Sharia-based despotism. If it were to retreat from this, its very essence would begin to dissolve. That is why, instead of taking a step back, softening its stance, or listening to the people, the regime has chosen to take even harsher measures. For them, the hijab is not just a matter of clothing; for the Iranian regime, it is a political issue beyond a religious one," Mehdili explains.

Recently, Iran’s deputy police commander announced that "seven thousand police officers will be deployed to monitor and maintain order at the beaches, resorts, and entertainment venues along the country's northern coasts."

According to Mehsa Mehdili, "During election periods, the regime used to show some leniency. But this time, we are seeing a different stance. One of the reasons for this could be that the regime, during one of its most severe economic crises, has also faced this issue of mandatory hijab. Never before had this issue received such global attention. Within Iran, intellectuals have always demanded freedom of dress, but this time, the demand has spread widely among the masses. For the first time, the issue of compulsory hijab has been presented as a central issue, and it continues to persist."

She adds, "People are not backing down. Thousands of women are taking pictures of themselves and posting them on social media. Whenever possible, they walk in public without wearing a hijab. This has terrified the regime, which has turned the mandatory hijab into a matter of survival for itself."

---

Link to the original interview in Turkish on the Azerbaijani section of Voice of America:
Məhsa Mehdili: İran rejimi üçün hicab dini məsələnin üstündə siyasi bir məsələdir