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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Guardian staff and agency

Two marathon organisers arrested in Iran over women running without hijabs

Three women pictured from behind walking down a street
Iranian women without headscarves in Tehran. Observance of the hijab rules has become more sporadic since the 2022 protests. Photograph: NurPhoto/Getty Images

Judicial authorities in Iran have arrested two organisers of a marathon held on an island off the country’s southern coast after images emerged showing women taking part in the race without hijabs.

The arrests on Saturday come as the authorities face increasing criticism from ultraconservatives who accuse them of inadequate efforts to enforce a mandatory headscarf law for women amid fears of growing western influence on the Islamic republic.

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