Iran's judiciary chief vows punishment for violation of Hijab rules

TEHRAN, Iran

Iran's judiciary chief said Monday that the removal of the mandatory veil is against the country's law and will be strictly dealt with.

Mohseni Ejei made the remarks at an event in central Isfahan province, blaming the "enemy" for "supporting social anomalies", including the removal of the Hijab, according to the judiciary-affiliated Mizan News.

The debate over the issue of mandatory veil in Iran was rekindled following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in police custody in mid-September. Amini had been detained for violation of the dress code.

Her death triggered countrywide protests that were marred by violence, resulting in the death of almost 200 people, according to officials. Western human rigths bodies, however, have put the death toll above 500.

In the last five months, the absence of a morality police force on the streets in Tehran and other cities has fueled speculation that mandatory Hijab rules have been relaxed by Iranian authorities.

The judiciary chief, without specifically mentioning any country, said the "enemy" supports social anomalies that are "against public modesty, against Shariah and against the country's laws," referring specifically to the relaxation of Hijab rules.

Ejei said this "category" of crime is different from "individual mistakes and sins" with the "role of enemy obvious in it," adding that “measures” will be taken soon in coordination with other institutions.

He said the parliament, executive authority and judiciary are all "prepared to deal with those who destroy public order," without providing details about the "measures" to be taken.

The top judiciary official also commented on the issue of the serial poisoning of schoolgirls in recent months in Iran, calling it an example of "corruption on earth" and warning of exemplary punishment to those involved.

The crime of “corruption on earth” carries death sentence under Iran's law.