In a stark intensification of its authoritarian measures, the Iranian regime has moved beyond street harassment of women to target businesses in the second phase of the notorious “Noor Plan” or “Noor Project.” This development comes just days after the regime’s Food and Drug Administration threatened pharmacies, conditioning their medication quotas on enforcing mandatory hijab rules within their premises.
However, facing potential social backlash, the regime quickly retracted this scheme. Instead of acknowledging its actions, the regime deflected blame onto “dissenting media” and “evil individuals,” a familiar tactic in its propaganda playbook. This move is part of a broader strategy of societal subjugation through coercion and intimidation.
Pharmacies, crucial to public health, were recently the regime’s target. Despite attempts to downplay the severity of the imposed regulations, the essence remains unchanged: using medication as a tool for extortion and punishment amplifies the regime’s relentless pursuit of dominance. Reports from various cities underscore an intensifying crackdown, with popular establishments like restaurants and cafes being sealed off for alleged violations of mandatory hijab rules by staff or customers.
The Instagram account of “Beruz” restaurant in Isfahan announced its closure due to such violations, eliciting public outcry among its 50,000 followers. Similarly, citizens reported the closure of two eateries in Qazvin and Tehran, further highlighting the regime’s heavy-handed approach. Even public figures are not immune, as evidenced by the closure of Café P1, a frequented spot associated with prominent footballer Alireza Biranvand.
What’s Behind #Iran’s Regime Staged Façade to Show Popular Support for #Hijab Crackdownhttps://t.co/u7k63Icjoi
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) May 5, 2024
This crackdown isn’t confined to eateries alone; tourism sites like “Eco Camp Dorna” in Meshkin Shahr, Ardabil Province, faced closure for purported violations of so-called “Islamic norms.” Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s recent call for intensified moral policing, branding enforcers of oppressive codes as “voluntary people,” preceded the regime’s expansion of its coercive measures. The deployment of state personnel and undercover agents to enforce hijab regulations underscores the regime’s determination, despite ongoing resistance from society.
As the regime tightens its grip, each shuttered business and displaced worker serves as a testament to the populace’s steadfast refusal to yield to authoritarian dictates. While the regime may resort to brute force, its failure to garner genuine societal support reflects its waning influence. Coercion remains its sole recourse, a costly strategy that only further galvanizes resistance and fuels the flames of an imminent revolt.
Tehran, #Iran
More evidence of the regime mounting pressure on women and girls. Suppressive security forces arresting a girl for not observing the regime's misogynistic hijab rules.
pic.twitter.com/yE5BubbSaV#زن_مقاومت_آزادی
— Women's Committee NCRI (@womenncri) April 17, 2024
In conclusion, the Iranian regime’s extension of its oppressive tactics to businesses under the “Noor Plan” reveals a desperate attempt to control a defiant population. The societal backlash against these measures highlights the growing disconnect between the regime and the people, signaling a potential tipping point in the nation’s struggle for freedom and justice.
MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu
