Iran women could face fines of $6,000 after new hijab law

Women in Iran who contravene a proposed new hijab law could face fines of up to $6,000, as Tehran looks at new ways to enforce a strict public dress code after mass protests against its enforcement following the death of Mahsa Amini.

The planned law, which is currently being drawn up, could result in fines for women who break the law of between 5,000 Iranian rials ($10) to 30 billion Iranian rials ($6,000), hardliner MP Hossein Jalali has revealed, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat.

A bill for a new hijab law will be drawn up within the next two weeks, Jalali said, and will then be approved by parliament.

It follows upheaval in Iran after the death in custody last September of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was detained by so-called morality police for alleged violations of the country's strict dress code.

Many of those who have been demanding the fall of the regime or an end to restrictions on women's dress have flouted the hijab law publicly in a show of protest. 

Security forces launched a brutal crackdown on protesters killing thousands and detaining many more, but some elements of the government have also promised change, including a review of the hijab law and the dissolution of the morality police.

However, activists have disputed both claims while hardliners insist strict dress codes would remain in place.

"The situation of the hijab would be better than in the past," Jalali said, noting that "300 meetings with the Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution and the National Security Council" had taken place on the issue.

Other proposed penalties for women who break the law include revoking driver's licenses and passports, or restricting their access to the internet. 

Monitoring the enforcement of the hijab law will take place not only in public places such as government offices, restaurants, and airports, but also online and inside vehicles.