Tehran, October 5, 2024 - A heated debate has erupted in Iran following President Peseškian's controversial statements about the moral police during his first press conference since taking office. Peseškian asserted that he would advocate for an end to the harassment of women by the moral police, prompting a backlash from conservative political figures.
During the press conference, Peseškian posed a question to a journalist about whether the moral police still harassed women, to which she responded by recounting her experiences of avoiding certain routes to evade the police. His remarks have drawn sharp criticism from the judiciary and conservative lawmakers, who argue that the focus should be on upholding Islamic values rather than questioning the existence of the moral police.
The public reaction has been one of anger and deep dissatisfaction, particularly among Iranian women. Since the tragic death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody two years ago, many women have defied the mandatory hijab law. Social media has seen an outpouring of frustration, with many questioning the president's awareness of their daily struggles.
Experts suggest that the president and parts of Iran's political apparatus recognize that the solution to public discontent does not lie in further violence. Sociologist Mehrdad Darvishpour notes that a powerful women’s movement has emerged, resisting the hijab mandate despite severe repression.
Whether Peseškian can effectively curb the moral police's activities remains uncertain, as the force operates under the Ministry of Interior and is overseen by the Supreme Council for Cultural Revolution, a key institution in Iran responsible for cultural policies.
In a related development, the new Minister of Education announced that professors and students dismissed during the protests following Amini's death will be allowed to return to universities. This includes students like Motahare Goonei, who faced expulsion for her activism.
The situation reflects ongoing tensions within Iranian society and the potential for renewed protests as the population grapples with issues of freedom and rights.