The leadership of Iran’s judicial system has ordered police to “severely punish” women who violate the country’s laws on wearing the hijab, Mehr news agency reported on Tuesday.
“Courts should impose additional sanctions such as deportation, bans on certain professions and closures of workplaces,” the agency said, referring to the administration of the justice system.
Iran has been gripped by a widespread protest movement after 22-year-old Mahsa Amini lost her life in custody on 16 September. She was accused of violating the dress code.
Since the protests, the good police, whose duties include enforcing the hijab requirements, have been less visible and women have taken to the streets without the mandatory head covering.
However, the authorities have made it clear that with the new year there will be no more tolerance, but the police have warned that women should also wear the headscarf in the car.
Several cafes and restaurants serving women with bare heads have been closed in recent weeks.
