The issue of pressure on women under the pretext of mandatory veiling was a common subject emphasized by many state mullahs in this week’s Friday prayer sermons.
Hafez Zamani, Friday prayer leader in Molkan said, “The struggle against improper veiling must begin from government agencies. We cannot do anything on veiling by writing articles, books and banning people from writing. All apparatuses join.” (State-run IRNA news agency – November 20, 2015)
Hossein Hosseini, Friday prayer leader of Saghez, “Abiding by veiling regulations is an important principle in Islam and both men and women are obliged to abide by these regulations.” (State-run Fars news agency – November 20, 2015)
Davoud Ahmad-panah, Friday prayer leader of Shahmirzad, “Scarfs are not considered as veils for women. Very tight clothes that have come from the West and other ridiculous things must be eradicated from our society. The chador is a full veil because it covers the entire body. (State-run ghatren.com – November 20, 2015)
Rouhani, Friday prayer leader of Babol, “Some people are seeking to contaminate university atmospheres, including mixed campuses and concerts. Those concerned in this regard have issued serious warnings to the government in this regard. Some are unwittingly and some are deliberately violating veiling regulations and creating too much noise in their vehicles. Action must be taken against individuals who are on the verge of acting against the country’s cultural atmosphere, and such circumstances demands a firm stance and approach adopted by the judiciary and police.” (State-run Fars news agency – November 20, 2015)
Hafeznia, Friday prayer leader of Astara: “Taking action against improper veiling must be seriously placed on police agenda. Various co-ed college student camps on campus are considered anti-culture gatherings, and the leader of the revolution has expressed his protest in this regard.” (State-run IRNA news agency – November 20, 2015)