ICC Note: A new Iranian undercover morality unit has been launched to ensure proper behavior of its citizens. Being an Islamic Nation, this could be disastrous for religious minorities living in Iran. The undercover police will focus primarily on improper veiling and other decency standards. The move is aimed at forcing Iranians to adhere to the original laws of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

04/28/2016 Iran (Mohabat News) –  Tehran’s police chief Hossein Sajedinia said that the male and female agents — numbering around 7,000 — will focus on issues such as “improper veiling and removal of veils inside cars,” as well as noise pollution and reckless driving.

Sajedinia was quoted by the official news agency of Iran’s judiciary, Mizan Online, as saying that the undercover agents will not have the right to directly confront people. Instead, agents will send police via text message the license plate numbers of the alleged violators and their crimes, for police to follow up.

The move is the latest initiative aimed at forcing Iranians to adhere to some of the strictures imposed after 1979 Islamic Revolution. Though not stated explicitly, the announcement appears aimed squarely at women, and enforcing laws that require wearing head veils and covering their bodies.

Iran’s official news agency IRNA reported in recent days that a new campaign against immoral behavior and improper veiling had been launched in Tehran with morality police units stopping citizens at major highways and shopping centers.

Since the 1979 revolution, authorities have tried with varying degrees success to force Iranians to conform to conservative dress codes. Despite arrests, fines, and threats, though, many Iranian women, particularly in Tehran and other major cities, have pushed the boundaries, wearing small colorful scarfs, makeup, tight pants and short coats.

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