Iranian Online Shop Building Sealed As Hijab Tensions Rise

Yet more businesses in Iran are being closed down as rising numbers of women defy hijab laws.

The latest was online retailer Digikala whose office building was sealed and a renowned bakery has also been closed.

The incidents were prompted by the publication of pictures showing female employees of Digikala’s online shop without hijab, sparking demands from hardliners to take action against the company and its employees.

Following the publication of the photos, the Mizan news agency, affiliated with the judiciary, reported that a court case had been filed against the employees. Police officers sealed the company's building on Sunday evening, citing the refusal of some female employees to comply with the mandatory hijab. Despite the sealing of the office building, Digikala said operations continue.

In addition, France Confectionery, a renowned bakery in Tehran, also made headlines by announcing its closure. Although the reason was not explicitly mentioned, speculation suggested employees had also forgone the hijab. It is one of many companies targeted by the regime which has closed innumerable businesses where either employees or customers had broken hijab rules.

The incidents come amid a recent trend of women choosing to opt out of the mandatory hijab, spurred by the "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests and the tragic death of Mahsa Amini while in the custody of morality police.

In response to this civil disobedience, Iranian authorities have taken various measures, including sealing commercial and recreational centers, barring women without hijab from public services, issuing warnings, and even resorting to car seizure and violent arrests. However, these measures have so far been ineffective in quelling the growing defiance among Iranian women.

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