Explained: The Anti-Hijab Protests in Iran

Context                                

In the Islamic Republic of Iran, statewide demonstrations have been called in response to the death of a young Iranian-Kurdish lady while she was in the custody of the morality police, putting the clerical government under public scrutiny.

Probable Question

Do you think that Iran Protests are the tail events of the Arab Spring which started in Tunisia a decade ago? Comment.(150 words, 10 marks)

About the Protests in Iran

• Mahsa Amini, a young Iranian-Kurdish woman, was detained by the morality police for allegedly inappropriately donning her hijab.
• Her death was attributed by the authorities three days later to a heart attack she suffered while learning about hijab rules.
• Her relatives and activists contend that she was beaten to death.
• The incident sparked intense outrage in a country where official suppression of women's rights and resistance has always been an important political issue.
• In a number of places, including Tehran and Mashhad, where protesters were yelling anti-clerical chants, women openly burnt hijabs.
• According to the Norway-based Iran Human Rights NGO (IHRNGO), at least 326 people have been killed by Iranian security forces since the beginning of the urban revolts.

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Events of Anti Hijab Protests Turned into Anti-Government Demonstrations

• The two-month-long protest that was sparked by the young woman's murder over the hijab issue has morphed into an anti-government demonstration.
• Widespread demonstrations against the Iranian government and state authority have been held, and they have called for a change of government.
• Athletes, sportspeople, and celebrities all participated in the protest. For instance, during a World Cup game, the Iranian national football squad declined to sing the national anthem.
• The Iranian administration is propagating the notion that protests benefit its foreign adversaries in an effort to appeal to nationalist feelings while also justifying its harsh response. The Iranian government can be seen engaging in temporary fire fighting without substantive reforms.

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Nature of the Political System in Iran

• With a thin layer of democracy, the Shia clergy has constructed a clerical tyranny.
• The "velayat-e-faqih" (guardianship of jurist(s)) represents divine sovereignty in the Islamic Republic of Iran, whilst the institutions of the president and parliament stand for popular sovereignty.
• State-sponsored conservatism and social repression result in the ongoing confrontation between the rulers and the ruled.
• President Ebrahim Raisi's administration has made it apparent that it will use force to put an end to the protests, and the Revolutionary Guard Corps has referred to the demonstrators as "traitors."

Reasons Behind Protests in Iran

• The demonstrations initially began in the Iranian city of Mashhad.
• Their first focus was on the deteriorating economy, the dishonest government, and the absence of social liberties.
• However, as it grew in popularity, political gatherings started to replace it.
• Significantly, many people have died and hundreds have been arrested.
• On the opposing side, tens of thousands of people took part in counter-demonstrations in favour of the clerically overseen government.
• Notably, President Hassan Rouhani acknowledged the anger of the populace over the weak economy.
• However, he fiercely resisted by employing force and fighting back, utilising the security system.

Response of World Powers

USA:

• US President Joe Biden has condemned Iran over a number of issues ever since assuming office. Hijab-related death of a woman fueled the fire.
• The US Vice President and President have recently used their Twitter accounts to encourage Iranians to engage in disruptive behaviour.
• Iran said that as a result of supporting anti-government demonstrations, the US had violated international moral norms.
• The protests are now being attributed to foreign intelligence, money, and operatives, according to top Iranian leaders.

Russia 

•  Russia has requested that the US refrain from interfering in Iran's "internal concerns."
• Overall, in that, it toppled the governments of multiple West Asian countries, the most recent upheaval is similar to the earlier Arab Spring.
• Additionally, it is evolving as a potential centre for international alliances and counter-alliances.

Efforts are being made by Iranian human rights activists around the world and symbolic sanctions are implemented by countries like Canada, the UK and the European Council.

News Source: Indian Express.

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/ramin-jahanbegloo-world-iran-8283505/

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