On November 15, 2024, Iran announced the establishment of a special clinic aimed at treating women who violate mandatory hijab laws. This initiative has drawn significant criticism both domestically and internationally.
The clinic, referred to as the "Hijab Removal Treatment Clinic," is overseen by the Iranian Ministry of Guidance, specifically the Women's and Family Affairs Department led by Mehri Talebi Daristani. The clinic aims to provide scientific and psychological treatment to women, including adolescents and adults, who wish to adhere to Islamic identity.
This development follows a wave of protests that began after the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in police custody in September 2022, allegedly for not wearing her hijab correctly. The protests have intensified over time, leading to increased scrutiny of women's rights in Iran.
Recent reports indicate a crackdown on women who do not comply with hijab regulations, including the installation of cameras to identify those deemed "bare-headed." Human rights activists have condemned the clinic as a repressive measure, expressing concerns that it may function more as a detention center rather than a treatment facility.
International critics, including Iranian journalists and human rights lawyers, have labeled the proposal as alarming and lacking legal foundations within Islamic or Iranian law. The agency overseeing the clinic reports directly to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, raising further concerns about its intentions.
As protests continue under the slogan "Women, Life, Freedom," many fear that the clinic represents a broader effort to suppress dissent and distract the public from pressing daily needs.
Reports of arrests and disappearances related to hijab law violations have surged in recent weeks, with organizations like Amnesty International highlighting allegations of abuse and forced medication in psychiatric facilities.
In a recent case, 25-year-old Roshanak Molaei Alishah was reportedly harassed and subsequently detained due to her clothing. Her current whereabouts remain unknown. The ongoing situation reflects the escalating tensions surrounding women's rights and state control in Iran.