In a recent interview on ABC’s “This Week,” Jamileh Alamolhoda, the wife of Iran’s new president Ebrahim Raisi, defended the country’s new strict hijab law, stating that it is being implemented “out of respect for women.” This comes amidst heavy criticism and concerns from human rights groups over the law, which imposes harsh penalties for women who refuse to comply with the mandatory Islamic headscarf.
The bill, approved by the Iranian parliament on Wednesday, states that violators could face up to 10 years in prison if caught in an “organized” manner. This has been deemed by many as a violation of women’s rights and has been compared to “gender apartheid” by the United Nations. However, Alamolhoda defended the law, stating that “hijab was a tradition, was a religiously mandated tradition, accepted widely.” She also compared it to dress codes in other countries, stating that breaking any law would result in punishments.
When asked about the punishment for women who choose not to wear a hijab, Alamolhoda replied that she is not a law expert and cannot give a definitive answer. However, she reiterated that the punishment for breaking a law is a natural consequence in any country. This statement comes amidst growing concerns about the welfare and rights of women in Iran, with Amnesty International reporting over 22,000 people detained during the government’s crackdown on dissent earlier this year.
The new hijab law also comes on the heels of the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was detained by the morality police for violating the country’s dress code. Her death in custody on September 16, 2022, sparked months of protests and demonstrations against the government’s actions. According to the United Nations, over 500 people were killed in the government’s crackdown on dissent, with many being children. However, Alamolhoda dismissed these figures as “a big lie” and claimed that foreign governments were behind the events in Iran.
When pressed about the deaths and executions of protesters, Alamolhoda stated that “many were killed, but in defending the Islamic Republic of Iran.” She also denied claims that Amini was beaten while in custody, stating that she had pre-existing medical conditions and was loved by all. However, Amini’s family has strongly disputed these claims, stating that she was brutally beaten while in custody.
Despite the criticism and concerns over the hijab law and the government’s actions, Iran’s President Raisi remains steadfast, stating in his speech to the UN General Assembly that “old powers will keep their current downward trajectory, they are the past, and we are the future.” The international community continues to monitor the situation in Iran, with many urging the government to protect the rights and freedoms of its citizens, especially women.
