Iran's New President Promises to End Morality Police Harassment of Women
On the second anniversary of Mahsa Amini's tragic death, newly elected Iranian President Massoud Peseschkian has vowed to take decisive action against the morality police's treatment of women in Iran. During his inaugural press conference on September 16, Peseschkian declared, "The morality police should not confront women. I will make sure that they do not harass them." This statement reflects his reform-minded approach, contrasting sharply with the previous administration.
Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman, died on September 16, 2022, after being detained by the morality police for allegedly violating strict Islamic dress codes. While Iranian authorities attributed her death to illness, her family and many citizens accused the morality police and the clerical regime of responsibility. Amini's death ignited widespread protests across the nation, resulting in hundreds of fatalities and thousands of arrests.
Peseschkian, who succeeded the ultra-conservative President Ebrahim Raisi, had condemned Amini's death during his election campaign and promised to disband the morality police, which enforces the compulsory wearing of the headscarf for women. The president's commitment to women's rights marks a significant shift in Iran's political landscape.
In addition to addressing women's rights, Peseschkian announced plans to ease internet restrictions that were implemented during the 2022 protests. The Iranian government had blocked several popular platforms, including Instagram and WhatsApp, to control the flow of information. The new administration aims to restore access to these services, promoting a more open digital environment.
Furthermore, Peseschkian emphasized that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons and criticized the United States for violating the nuclear agreement. He stated, "We are not hostile. We have not built weapons bases around their country," indicating a desire for more diplomatic relations with the U.S. as long as Iran's rights are respected.
