Iranian Woman Shot by Cops for Violating Hijab Law While Driving

Tehran: In a recent incident highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding Iran’s strict hijab laws, 31-year-old Arezou Badri was shot by police near the Caspian Sea. The shooting occurred when Badri allegedly attempted to evade officers who were reportedly trying to impound her vehicle due to a previous hijab violation.

The incident, which left Badri hospitalised and potentially paralysed, comes nearly two years after the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody, which sparked widespread protests across Iran. As the anniversary of Amini’s death approaches, the case has reignited debates about women’s rights and law enforcement practices in the country.

Iran’s new reformist President, Masoud Pezeshkian, has pledged to relax enforcement of headscarf laws. However, recent events, including Badri’s shooting and a separate incident involving a teenage girl’s altercation with morality police, suggest that significant challenges remain.

Human rights organisations have expressed concern over the escalating severity of hijab law enforcement. Hadi Ghaemi, from the Centre for Human Rights in Iran, described the situation as a “war on women,” noting the apparent use of lethal force in enforcing dress codes.

The incident has raised questions about police tactics, the use of surveillance technology in enforcing hijab laws, and the broader implications for women’s rights in Iran. As the country grapples with these issues, the international community continues to monitor developments closely.