Iran Focus: Tehran, May 21 – Tehran’s Friday prayer leader, Guardian Council Secretary Ahmad Jannati, urged a crackdown on violations of the dress code for women, calling for its enforcement throughout Iranian society.
Iran Focus
Tehran, May 21 – Tehran’s Friday prayer leader, Guardian Council Secretary Ahmad Jannati, urged a crackdown on violations of the dress code for women, calling for its enforcement throughout Iranian society.
Universities are especially lax, Jannati told the Friday congregation, warning that the country risked a return to the “old ways” before the 1979 Islamic revolution unless authorities take effective measures.
“The Supreme Council for Cultural Revolution adopted a code in this regard two years ago. But they have put in on the shelf and closed the file on it,” the hard-line cleric charged.
“Begin with your employees, those you pay. Universities and students are at your disposal. Why don’t the disciplinary committees take action? Don’t give the offending students their grades. The code must be enforced in hospitals and universities. Why have you not done so?”
“We must beware of the consequences of mal-veiling. If this is not stopped now, it will bring back the old ways (before the revolution). Enforcement has been lax in the past 20 years. Don’t make it more lax than it already is,” Jannati added.
Analysts in Tehran say Jannati’s outburst is the latest in the regime’s efforts to enact harsher measures in society to deal with dissent because of anticipated anti-government protests on the anniversary of the nationwide demonstrations that shook the regime to its foundation last June.
Iran’s main opposition group has called for 10-day protests beginning on 10 June.
