Iran steps up hijab enforcement as more women reject the rules
In August 2026 CNN reported that, as more Iranian women go unveiled, authorities are turning to new measures — from closing cafés to technological surveillance. Enforcement of the "Hijab and Chastity" law is suspended, but existing laws remain in force.
According to CNN (August 2026), as more Iranian women reject compulsory hijab, authorities are using new ways to monitor and punish non-compliance. In July some seven cafés and restaurants were reported closed in Tehran and ten cafés in South Khorasan province; violators have faced vague "norms"-related charges, travel bans and arrests.
Technological surveillance
The UN Fact-Finding Mission on Iran (March 2025) documented the use of technology: facial-recognition cameras to identify unveiled female students were installed at Amirkabir University in Tehran (early 2024), aerial drone surveillance began in public spaces (April 2024), and the "Nazer" mobile app lets users report dress-code violations in vehicles. According to the mission, at least 618 women were arrested in 2024 under a separate "Noor" plan. Rights groups (Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International) describe the measures as pressure on women.
Where the law stands
The "Hijab and Chastity" law was passed by parliament on 20 September 2023 and approved by the Guardian Council in September 2024 (71 articles). It provided for a fine of about $800 for a first offence, roughly $1,500 for a second, and up to 15 years in prison for repeat offences, along with employment and education restrictions. Its implementation was paused by the Supreme National Security Council on 16 December 2024 and again in May 2025; even so, the judiciary has said existing hijab laws remain in force.
How it began
On 16 September 2022, Mahsa (Zhina) Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman, died in custody after being detained by the "morality police" over her hijab. Her death triggered the nationwide "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests.
