Iran has announced the abolition of the morality police, the force that polices dress codes and detains women who do not comply with headscarf requirements under the Islamic Republic. The statement came from the Iranian attorney general, Mohamad Jafar Montazeri, who indicated that the police division is no longer connected to the judiciary and that its functions are being reassessed.
In remarks carried by the local news agency ISNA, Montazeri stressed that the judiciary will maintain its responsibilities, including the broader societal efforts to guide behavior at the community level. He noted that while clothing standards remain important, cultural and educational measures should take precedence over punitive actions, with legal steps reserved as a last resort.
Montazeri highlighted that enforcement priorities will still address issues of modest dress in major religious centers, particularly in Qom, a city known for its significance in religious education and pilgrimage. He spoke during a meeting with clergy in Qom, underscoring that public morality remains a societal focus but that the path forward should be guided by cultural reform rather than coercive measures.
Qom acts as the spiritual heart of the nation, hosting the central seminaries and drawing thousands of pilgrims and scholars from around the world who come to study and reflect. The changes come as protests that began in September over the death of a young Kurdish woman while in custody have drawn the world’s attention to the country. The deceased, identified as Mahsa Amini, was detained by morality police for allegedly violating headscarf rules, which sparked a wave of demonstrations across many cities.
Protesters have voiced a wide array of demands, including the elimination of the Islamic Republic itself. Slogans such as the call for an end to the regime and calls for greater personal freedoms have echoed through streets and homes, with messages appearing on walls and in public spaces during night-time demonstrations and regular protests since last September.
Assessments of the unrest have varied. Iran’s Security Council has suggested that the protests faced a severe crackdown, reporting a lower death toll in official statements but other independent groups, including human rights organizations, have provided higher figures. External monitors have documented widespread arrests and a sustained atmosphere of pressure as thousands faced charges for participating in the mobilizations, with several facing the death penalty for capital offenses linked to protests. The broader human rights community continues to monitor the situation as authorities pursue charges and legal proceedings against those involved.