Iran Pauses Controversial Hijab Law Amid Protests

Iran's National Security Council has paused the implementation of the controversial 'hijab and chastity law' after facing significant domestic and international backlash. President Masoud Pezeshkian described the law as 'ambiguous and in need of reform,' and plans to revisit its provisions, which include severe penalties for women and girls who fail to adhere to strict dress codes. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have condemned the law for entrenching repression. The law's postponement follows widespread protests, notably intensified after the arrest and subsequent release of singer Parastoo Ahmadi, who appeared without a hijab in a YouTube video. The debate over hijab laws has been a long-standing issue in Iran, further fueled by the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022. Lawmakers intend to amend the bill before resubmitting it to parliament, acknowledging the need for further investigations and reforms.