Violent arrests seen in Iran as 'morality patrols' resume in nationwide crackdown

This photograph widely shared on social networks in Iran shows police in Tehran on April 16, 2024 preparing for a “morality patrol” to enforce the wearing of hijab. While Iran’s so-called “morality police” have kept a low profile since the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022, Iranians say the new patrols are using the same tactics and equipment. © .

A year and a half after the start of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests, police in Iran have resumed “morality patrols” to crack down on women violating the Islamic Republic’s strict hijab rules. Patrols consisting of uniformed male officers and female officers in black chadors have been seen in the capital Tehran and other cities, along with the notorious white vans used to transport arrested women to police stations. The FRANCE 24 Observers spoke to one woman arrested in Tehran shortly after the crackdown was announced on April 11. 

Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, has made pointed remarks about hijab in two recent speeches. On April 3, he said: “Hijab is a Sharia-based obligation that must not be abrogated [...] Hijab is also a legal obligation, and everyone must respect the law.” A week later, on April 10, he repeated in another speech: “We do not want to impose religion on anyone, but we will fight non-conformism”.