Iran's E-Commerce Titan Faces Hijab Enforcement Amid Crisis
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Chapter 1: Introduction to the Hijab Controversy
Iran's prominent online marketplace, Digikala, often referred to as "Iran's Amazon," is currently facing scrutiny from government officials due to alleged breaches of the nation's strict Islamic dress code. The platform recently had one of its offices shut down and is now undergoing legal proceedings after sharing images that depicted female staff members without headscarves.
The hijab, a mandatory head covering for women in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, is viewed by the country's ruling clerics as both a symbol of the Islamic Republic and a protective measure against Western cultural encroachment. However, many Iranian women have resisted this law, especially in the wake of significant protests that arose last year.
Section 1.1: The Spark of Protests
Following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the morality police — who detained her for allegedly not adhering to the dress code — widespread protests erupted across the nation. These demonstrations, which prominently featured women advocating for change, quickly transformed into calls for the dismantling of Iran's theocratic regime.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Morality Police's Disappearance
In the aftermath of the protests, the morality police largely retreated from urban areas, and many women, particularly in Tehran and other major cities, began to forgo the hijab. Despite this shift, officials maintained that the enforcement rules remained unchanged.
Section 1.2: Renewed Enforcement Efforts
Recently, the morality police have resurfaced on the streets, launching a renewed initiative to enforce hijab compliance. This campaign has seen businesses that serve women without head coverings being shut down, including cafes, beauty salons, and retail shops.
Chapter 2: Digikala's Position in the Crackdown
The video titled "How Iran has intensified its crackdown on women under cover of war" explores the ongoing tensions and enforcement actions concerning women's rights and dress codes in Iran.
Digikala, which boasts over 40 million active users and supports more than 300,000 merchants, has become one of the latest victims of this crackdown. The company provides a wide array of products and services, from consumer goods to technology and grocery deliveries. Due to Western sanctions tied to Iran's contentious nuclear program, locals find themselves largely cut off from global retailers like Amazon.
While Digikala's online platform continues to function as usual, one of its offices in Tehran has been sealed off by the authorities. The Iranian judiciary has reported that legal cases have been initiated concerning the controversial photos, although further details have not been disclosed.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Digikala has yet to release an official statement and has not responded to inquiries from TechCrunch.
The incident has ignited outrage among Iranian internet users, many of whom have rallied in support of Digikala and its female employees. Critics have also raised concerns about the government's focus amid a deteriorating economic situation and an ongoing pandemic.
Overall, the hijab enforcement is perceived by many as indicative of the regime's anxiety and its desperate attempts to maintain control over a discontented populace. This situation highlights the widening gap between the conservative establishment and the younger, urban Iranians who seek greater freedoms and opportunities.
Relevant Articles:
- Iran targets e-commerce over photos of hijab-less employees, The New Arab, 24 July, 2023
- Iran targets e-commerce giant over photos of female employees without hijabs in new crackdown, Associated Press, 24 July, 2023
- Iran shuts down e-commerce office over photos of female employees without hijab, The New Arab, 24 July, 2023
- Iran steps up hijab crackdown on women, shuttering businesses, Al-Monitor, 23 July, 2023