Iran’s main reformist party urged the government on Saturday to scrap the headscarf requirement after the death of a young woman in police custody sparked nationwide protests.
read more: At least 50 people have been killed in suppressed protests in Iran
A law in force in the country since 1983 requires women, Iranians and foreigners, regardless of their religion, to wear headscarves and cover their bodies with loose clothing of varying lengths.
Mahza Amini, 22, was arrested on September 13 in Tehran for “wearing inappropriate clothing” by the morality police responsible for enforcing the Islamic Republic’s strict dress code. She died in hospital three days later.
read more: Iran: Protests spread after the death of a young woman
The People’s Union of Islamic Iran, formed by relatives of former reformist President Mohammad Khatami (1997-2005), says it “requested” from officials to “prepare legal elements that would pave the way for the repeal of the mandatory hijab law”. ‘ said a statement issued on Saturday.
The party called for an “impartial” commission of inquiry into Mahza Amini’s death and the “immediate release of those recently arrested”.
The young woman’s death sparked overnight protests in major Iranian cities, in which at least 35 people were killed, according to official reports. Several hundred demonstrators were also arrested.
“Avid gamer. Social media geek. Proud troublemaker. Thinker. Travel fan. Problem solver.”