Iran: Struggle Between Moderates and Hardliners Over Hijab Law
Iranian President Appears Attempting to Avoid New Protest Wave by Objecting to Strict Hijab Law Despite Parliament Approval
December 15, 2024, 9:21 pm

Iran: Struggle Between Moderates and Hardliners Over Hijab Law

نساء إيران \ تعبيرية \ متداولة

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian used veto powers against new strict hijab law approved by parliament, coinciding with release of singer Parastoo Ahmadi, detained for performing without hijab.

Pezeshkian, Sunday, requested referring matter to Supreme National Security Council for ruling. Presidential advisor Ali Rabiei told "Hamshahri" daily decision justification based on law's social fabric implications.

Sources reported Pezeshkian rejected law approval anticipating Iranian public anger and renewed protests. Iranian Supreme National Security Council heads country's official institutions, deciding security issues.

Pezeshkian seeks softening new law provisions through Council, even partially. New law, approved by parliament hardliners, included hefty financial penalties and public services denial for non-compliant women.

Severe law criticism, even within government, caused implementation delay, according to German News Agency (dpa). Analysts considered law embodying influence battle between hardliners and moderates, testing Pezeshkian.

Iran experienced massive September 2022 protests following young Mahsa Amini's death in custody, allegedly for improper hijab wearing.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has announced its sponsorship of the “Innovation and Sustainable Technology Solutions Competition (GU - IST Solutions), hosted by Gulf University at its main campus.
This strategic sponsorship reflects BENEFIT’s active role in advancing technological innovation and fostering sustainable solutions to future challenges. It also seeks to empower Bahraini youth by enhancing their skills, capabilities, and competitiveness in innovation and solution development—contributing meaningfully to the broader goals of sustainable development across all sectors.
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Dr. Aseel Al Ayash Dean of the College of Engineering in Gulf University commented, “We extend our sincere gratitude to BENEFIT for their generous sponsorship and support of the Innovation and Sustainable Technology Solutions Competition. This contribution plays an instrumental role in helping us achieve the strategic goals of this initiative, namely, cultivating a culture of innovation and sustainability, encouraging efforts that address the imperatives of sustainable development, and enhancing the practical and professional capabilities of our students and participants.”
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