Iranian Crackdown on 'Bad Hijab'.

[Sabre]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6596933.stm

Last Updated: Friday, 27 April 2007, 08:28 GMT 09:28 UK http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/dot_629.gif
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Crackdown in Iran over dress codes

By Frances Harrison
BBC News, Tehran
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http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42852000/jpg/_42852229_arrest203.jpg Hundreds of women have been arrested for "bad hijab"

Thousands of Iranian women have been cautioned over their poor Islamic dress this week and several hundred arrested in the capital Tehran in the most fierce crackdown on what's known as "bad hijab" for more than a decade. It is the talk of the town. The latest police crackdown on Islamic dress has angered many Iranians - male, female, young and old.

But Iranian TV has reported that an opinion poll conducted in Tehran found 86% of people were in favour of the crackdown - a statistic that is surprising given the strength of feeling against this move.
Police cars are stationed outside major shopping centres in Tehran.
They are stopping pedestrians and even cars - warning female drivers not show any hair - and impounding the vehicles and arresting the women if they argue back.
Middle-aged women, foreign tourists and journalists have all been harassed, not just the young and fashionably dressed.
Individual choice
Overnight the standard of what is acceptable dress has slipped back.
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http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/start_quote_rb.gif I want the whole world to know that they oppress us and all we can do is put up with it http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/end_quote_rb.gif


Tofiq, 15


Hard-won freedoms - like the right to wear a colourful headscarf - have been snatched away.
It may sound trivial but Iranian women have found ways of expressing their individuality and returning to drab colours like black, grey and dark blue is not something they will accept easily.
"If we want to do something we will do it anyway, all this is total nonsense," says a young girl, heavily made up and dressed up.
She believes Islamic dress should be something personal - whether you're swathed in a black chador or dressed in what she calls "more normal clothes".
Interestingly many women who choose to wear the all enveloping chador agree - saying it's a personal choice and shouldn't be forced on people.
"This year is much worse than before because the newspapers and the TV have given the issue a lot of coverage compared to last year; it wasn't this bad before," says Shabnam who's out shopping with her friend.
Permission denied
At the start of every summer the police say they will enforce the Islamic dress code, but this year has been unusually harsh.
Thousands of women have been cautioned by police over their dress, some have been obliged to sign statements that they will do better in the future, and some face court cases against them.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42852000/jpg/_42852251_model203.jpg Even shop mannequins considered "too revealing" are dealt with


Though the authorities want coverage internally to scare women - they don't want the story broadcast abroad.
The BBC's cameraman was detained when he tried to film the police at work and the government denied us permission to go on patrol with the police.
"Really we don't have any security," complains Shabam's friend Leyla.
"Since we came out this morning many people we met have continuously warned us to be careful about our headscarves and to wear them further forward because they are arresting women who are dressed like this," she says.
Boutique owners are furious. Some shops have been sealed - others warned not to sell tight revealing clothing.
One shopkeeper selling evening dresses told us the moral police had ordered him to saw off the breasts of his mannequins because they were too revealing.
He said he wasn't the only shop to receive this strange instruction.
Respect
There's even been less traffic on the streets because some women are not venturing out - fearful they will be harassed.
And it's not even safe in a car. Taxi agencies have received a circular warning them not to carry a "bad hijabi".
"They have said we shouldn't carry passengers who wear bad Islamic dress and if we do we have to warn them to respect the Islamic dress code even inside the car," said one taxi driver.
And it's not just women who are being targeted this year.
Young men are being cautioned for wearing short sleeved shirts or for their hairstyles.
Morad - a hairdresser whose gelled hair is made to stand straight up - says it's necessary for him to look like this to attract customers.
"These last few days I don't dare walk down the main roads looking like this case I get arrested," he says.
"I use the side streets and alleys."
Morad is scared because his friends have told him they've seen the police seize young men and forcibly cut their hair if it's too long.
Fifteen-year-old Tofiq who'd also gelled his hair to stand on end said he too was afraid but he wasn't going to change.
"I want the whole world to know that they oppress us and all we can do is put up with it," he said.
Some parents have complained that harassing the young over their clothing will only push them to leave the country.
But one MP has said those Iranians who cannot cope with Islamic laws should leave.
Some commentators have suggested that the government is conducting this crackdown to distract attention from the rising cost of living in Iran and increasing tension with the international community over the nuclear issue.
If so, it's a strategy that risks alienating people who've got used to years of relative social freedom and do not want to return to the early days of the revolution when dress rules were much more tightly enforced.

[Pars]

But Iranian TV has reported that an opinion poll conducted in Tehran found 86% of people were in favour of the crackdown - a statistic that is surprising given the strength of feeling against this move.

Well that's a believable poll reported by state-TV. I'm fairly certain that these latest moves will lead to another utburst of protests like those we saw in 99'. The stupidity and priorities of this regime are laughable.

[vinny_121_ND]

Cracking down on what you wear and how you look? What is this country's top priorities? How are tourists supposed to even want to come here when they get harrassed and possibly arrested for being themselves?

[9mmRifle]

so much for freedom

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/4613/ply03pe3.jpg

[2Sheds_Jackson]

I saw a picture of this round-up on MSNBC. It was funny as hell (well it would be if it wasn't so serious and depressing) - this police woman, a portly, homely broad wearing a baggy, rumpled plain black Hijab - and not a stitch of makeup - was leading a column of very hot lookin' young women - who were wearing snug fitting, colorful versions of the same thing - but >gasp< their head-scarves were tilted back to brazenly reveal about 3" of their hair. The whores! I could practically see their vulvas!

[Pars]

I saw a picture of this round-up on MSNBC. It was funny as hell (well it would be if it wasn't so serious and depressing) - this police woman, a portly, homely broad wearing a baggy, rumpled plain black Hijab - and not a stitch of makeup - was leading a column of very hot lookin' young women - who were wearing snug fitting, colorful versions of the same thing - but >gasp< their head-scarves were tilted back to brazenly reveal about 3" of their hair. The whores! I could practically see their vulvas!

This is a serious matter, because the hair of women radiates dangerous beams of evil which in turn pervert the mind of men thus creating immoral behaviour. That's why this matter has such a high priority with the authorities of Iran. Logcial.

[Warlord]

This is a serious matter, because the hair of women radiates dangerous beams of evil which in turn pervert the mind of men thus creating immoral behaviour. That's why this matter has such a high priority with the authorities of Iran. Logcial.


Move to Saudi. More of the same and worse. The only thing is, it's an "ally".

The Iranians of late have had more freedom in the matter of the hijab. At least they are not forced to cover their faces or not allowed to drive.

Saudi women are not allowed to go out without a "mu'haram" (male relative she can't marry, as an escort), not allowed to show skin and not allowed to drive among other things. Iranian women have got it good.

[Pars]

Move to Saudi. More of the same and worse. The only thing is, it's an "ally".

The Iranians of late have had more freedom in the matter of the hijab. At least they are not forced to cover their faces or not allowed to drive.

Saudi women are not allowed to go out without a "mu'haram" (male relative she can't marry, as an escort), not allowed to show skin and not allowed to drive among other things. Iranian women have got it good.

I am Iranian myself, I know. Iranian women have a lot more freedom than most think. But to say that Iranian women have it good is quite an overstatment. Iranians don't want to compare themselves with Saudi Arabians. The freedoms women in Iran have gained are because they themselves fought for it, it wasn't given to them. Women had a far better place in Iranian society prior to '79.

[Firetxmi]

We worry about this, yet N. Korea has Camp 22 where they gas their citizens....

[Warlord]

I am Iranian myself, I know. Iranian women have a lot more freedom than most think. But to say that Iranian women have it good is quite an overstatment. Iranians don't want to compare themselves with Saudi Arabians. The freedoms women in Iran have gained are because they themselves fought for it, it wasn't given to them. Women had a far better place in Iranian society prior to '79.


Dude, Saudi women are trying to fight for their rights. But the problem is deep rooted and the women here have never even tasted the secular life from the beginning unlike Iran has. Secondly, the west doesn't bother them with women's right that much because it's an ally. There's an occasional question or campaign for it. But never any concerted effort. Mostly here it's about ignorance and fear of losing control over their women. They think once you let them drive, she'll screw around. When I ask a Saudi why women can't drive, they say it's about Islam. That shows you just how ignorant they can be. A keynote speaker at a medical forum held in Jeddah would not make his speech unless the women (who are medical professionals) in the audience was removed. The guy was just going to talk about kidney disease. But he had a long beard so that justifies it.

Compared to the Saudi's, Iranian women do have it good. Iranian ladies compared to other places like Dubai, where I see some fine Persian wares, Iranian women could be better.

[Pars]

Dude, Saudi women are trying to fight for their rights. But the problem is deep rooted and the women here have never even tasted the secular life from the beginning unlike Iran has. Secondly, the west doesn't bother them with women's right that much because it's an ally. There's an occasional question or campaign for it. But never any concerted effort. Mostly here it's about ignorance and fear of losing control over their women. They think once you let them drive, she'll screw around. When I ask a Saudi why women can't drive, they say it's about Islam. That shows you just how ignorant they can be. A keynote speaker at a medical forum held in Jeddah would not make his speech unless the women (who are medical professionals) in the audience was removed. The guy was just going to talk about kidney disease. But he had a long beard so that justifies it.

Compared to the Saudi's, Iranian women do have it good. Iranian ladies compared to other places like Dubai, where I see some fine Persian wares, Iranian women could be better.

I see your point. And I agree to some extent. Iranian women have yet to show their true potential.

[duck]

Dude, Saudi women are trying to fight for their rights. But the problem is deep rooted and the women here have never even tasted the secular life from the beginning unlike Iran has. Secondly, the west doesn't bother them with women's right that much because it's an ally. There's an occasional question or campaign for it. But never any concerted effort. Mostly here it's about ignorance and fear of losing control over their women. They think once you let them drive, she'll screw around. When I ask a Saudi why women can't drive, they say it's about Islam. That shows you just how ignorant they can be. A keynote speaker at a medical forum held in Jeddah would not make his speech unless the women (who are medical professionals) in the audience was removed. The guy was just going to talk about kidney disease. But he had a long beard so that justifies it.

Compared to the Saudi's, Iranian women do have it good. Iranian ladies compared to other places like Dubai, where I see some fine Persian wares, Iranian women could be better.


I'd still say it's up to the Persians themselves to decide on women's rights. The "West" does not have omnipotent wisdom or treat women perfectly.

[nahimov]

I'd still say it's up to the Persians themselves to decide on women's rights. The "West" does not have omnipotent wisdom or treat women perfectly.

Should we ask Irinian women maybe?

[sir-chimp]

We worry about this, yet N. Korea has Camp 22 where they gas their citizens....

right wing propaganda

[Miles.]

*** is bad.

I, for one, support the move.

[LaoSexMachine]

*** is bad.

I, for one, support the move.


You are dead to me.

[Miles.]

You are dead to me.

I can't wait until we make women our slaves in the US.

[duck]

Should we ask Irinian women maybe?

Or even Iranian? Yes, that would be a good start.

[Kilgor]

apparently the religious police have been going around to shop owners and telling them to remove the breasts from mannequins in shop windows :lol: !

[Invisigoth]

We shouldn't complain at all. The more the religious establishment pisses off its population, the more support for moderate elements in the government will increase; and maybe some day the Iranians will turn around and :fork: *end of story*

[nahimov]

apparently the religious police have been going around to shop owners and telling them to remove the breasts from mannequins in shop windows :lol: !

Hmm they hate breasts as much as US public? Am I the only one who still like them?

[Lazy Lob]

http://www.youtube.com/v/x66h5kAKg5g
http://www.youtube.com/v/x66h5kAKg5g

[sferrin]

So do they decapitate the mannequins or just throw them in jail?

[sferrin]

http://www.youtube.com/v/x66h5kAKg5g
http://www.youtube.com/v/x66h5kAKg5g

My god I'd think they'd jail her for the screeching if nothing else. Imagine having to listen to that for the rest of your life. Yeesh.

[Warlord]

We shouldn't complain at all. The more the religious establishment pisses off its population, the more support for moderate elements in the government will increase; and maybe some day the Iranians will turn around and :fork: *end of story*

You got that right. Just today, I saw a Saudi lady with a ring/piercing on her left eyebrow. Now I know there's hope to come. Now I can't wait for the clit ring.

[kraf001]

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[Moledet]

He was arrested for not wearing a Hijab?
http://media.farsnews.com/Media/8602/ImageReports/8602080333/12_8602080333_L600.jpg

[kraf001]

He was arrested for not wearing a Hijab?
http://media.farsnews.com/Media/8602/ImageReports/8602080333/12_8602080333_L600.jpg
well the operation is not only targeting women it also deal with guys who look too funky...

[SBL]

well the operation is not only targeting women it also deal with guys who look too funky...


http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i228/Captainbadd/Disco-Stu.gif

That's bad news for Disco Stu.

[Moledet]

well the operation is not only targeting women it also deal with guys who look too funky...
Having an orange beard and wearing a rolled towel isn't considered funky?

[cbreedon]

quite sad indeed... How is this going to make their country better? What a waste of resources and manpower that could be used for productive tasks.

[Partial_Panel]

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r230/Fly_Marine/9_8602080333_L600.jpg

John Lovitz is: The Iranian Cop!

"Tuck that hair back now...yes, That's the ticket!"

[N-G-F-O]

I do feel for moderate Iranians, they certainly go through the mill. I just can't understand the mind-set of the hard-liners, it's just such a totally alien concept to me to be that oppressive to your own kin.

[Sabre]

Just realised that I started this thread and haven't bothered to comment yet!

Yeah, this is bad. Good in a way though, if this sort of thing continues then the Iranian people may just tell them to ram it. That would certainly improve the situation in the region.

[Lov3ll]

Iran's fashion police target ties
By Frances Harrison
BBC News, Tehran


Barbers' shops in Iran have been ordered not to serve customers who wear ties or bow ties, Iranian press says.
Police say the shops risk closure if they break the rules.
In the early days of the revolution wearing a tie was seen as a symbol of western decadence, but in recent years this has relaxed considerably.
The latest directive is part of a campaign against westernised clothes, which has so far focused on women's headscarves and Islamic covering.
Etemad newspaper reports that the moral police sent a circular round to barbers' shops and hairdressers ordering them not to serve customers with ties or they could be closed temporarily or even lose their licenses.

'Bad hijab'

The police also outlawed any kind of make-up for men, which is sometimes done for grooms on their wedding day.
Police say 95% barbers' shops do follow Islamic principals, but the rest should know the risks if they do break the rules.
The latest crackdown on poor Islamic clothing or "bad hijab" as it's known locally has seen men targeted for the first time in years.
Some have been warned not to wear short-sleeved shirts while there are instances of boys with wild, spiky hairstyles forcibly having a stripe shaved down the middle of their head, so they have to go and have the rest removed afterwards.
Hundreds of Iranian women have been arrested in the last week for bad hijab.
Young women are kept for hours at night in a police station and complain they are insulted by the police, being told they are loose women.
The police even tried to arrest the Iranian wife of a diplomat who had to struggle to explain she had immunity.
One married woman in her forties going out for lunch said she was horrified to be told by a boy half her age not to cruise up and down in her car looking for men to pick up.
But one hardline newspaper has said the police should know they have the backing of God in their mission to enforce Islamic rules in society and all organs of power should support them.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6605487.stm

[cbreedon]

But one hardline newspaper has said the police should know they have the backing of God in their mission to enforce Islamic rules in society and all organs of power should support them.



Not true God told me just last night that they were full of crap

[Abu_Elvis]

Iran bans Western haircuts, eyebrow plucking for men

TEHRAN, Iran (*******) -- Iranian police have warned barbers against offering Western-style hair cuts or plucking the eyebrows of their male customers, Iranian media said Sunday.
The report by a reformist daily, later confirmed by an Iranian news agency, appeared to be another sign of authorities cracking down on clothing and other fashion deemed to be against Islamic values.
"Western hairstyles ... have been banned," the newspaper Etemad said in a front-page headline.
It came a week after police launched a crackdown against the growing number of young women testing the limits of the law with shorter, brighter and skimpier clothing ahead of the summer months.
Under Iran's Islamic Sharia law, imposed after the 1979 revolution, women are obligated to cover their hair and wear long, loose-fitting clothes to disguise their figures.
Violators can receive lashes, fines and imprisonment.
The student news agency ISNA quoted a police statement as saying: "In an official order to barbershops, they have been warned to avoid using Western hair styles and doing men's eyebrows."
Iranian young men have in recent years started paying more attention to the way they look and dress, especially in affluent parts of the capital Tehran. Spiked up hair, by using gel, is known as the Khorusi (Rooster) style and some also use make-up.
Several hairdressers for men in Tehran offer cuts in the style of Hollywood movie stars and other Western celebrities. Clients can also have their eyebrows plucked.
The head of the barbers' union, Mohammad Eftekharifard, said police had instructed it to "exercise specific regulations in barbershops that work under its supervision."
Barbers who do not follow these rules might be closed down for a month and even lose their permits to operate, Etemad quoted him as saying.
"Currently some barbershops apply make-up and use (hair) styles that are in line with those in European countries and America," Eftekharifard said.
He added: "An official order has been sent to the union ... not to apply make-up on men's faces (or) do eyebrows ... and hence the barbers are not allowed to do these things."
Since hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad won the presidency in 2005 on a promise of returning to the values of the revolution, hardliners have pressed for tighter controls on what they consider immoral behavior.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/04/29/iranian.haricuts.reut/index.html?section=cnn_latest


But, they are not the only ones...

Bethlehem - Ma'an – The Supreme Fatwa Council of Palestine has issued a fatwa permitting men's and women's hairdressers to operate on condition that they do not break Islamic law.

The fatwa stated that women can be employed as hairdressers as long as they only cut the hair of women that want to look attractive for their husbands and not other men or foreigners; this would be Haram (forbidden).

It also stated that if a foreign man is present in the hairdressers, women must be prohibited from entering it.

The council urged the Palestinian Muslims to avoid "suspicion" and to follow the religious rules and rituals according to Islamic law.

The fatwa also said that men can work as barbers and activity in the barber shops is not prohibited in any way, as long as it is not against Islam.
http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=21602

[Johnny_H02]

Having an orange beard and wearing a rolled towel isn't considered funky?

I'm afraid he has it wrong, the KING of FUNK has colourful extensions in his hair, while his beard remains all natural.

So the answer to your question would most definitely be no.

His most Honourable George Clinton the King of Funk presides.
http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/6333/georgeclintonvo5.jpg