Women Across Iran , Defy Regime by Refusing , to Wear Hijabs.<br />NPR reports that while the hijab remains <br />the official law in Iran, many women around <br />the country are removing them in protest.<br />The movement comes in the wake of <br />anti-government protests following the <br />killing of Mahsa Amini while in police custody.<br />The 22-year-old Kurdish woman<br />had been arrested for <br />improperly wearing her hijab.<br />NPR reports that the government <br />responded to the protests <br />with a brutal crackdown.<br />According to rights groups, <br />hundreds of people were killed, while <br />thousands of others were arrested.<br />Previously, Iran's hijab law was enforced <br />by the government's morality police.<br />NPR reports that there appears <br />to be a pause in the government's typical <br />enforcement approach since last fall.<br />I think the government really is putting <br />itself at risk if it chooses to reinforce <br />the hijab law in a very draconian way, Sanam Vakil, deputy director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House, via NPR.<br />According to Sanam Vakil, deputy director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House, the Iranian political establishment is weighing how to enforce hijab laws.<br />There are conservatives that have tried to <br />suggest that reform or outreach and bridge <br />building to protesters is important, Sanam Vakil, deputy director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House, via NPR.<br />But you also have hardline conservatives <br />who see compromise as an avenue that <br />will invite further protests and challenge, Sanam Vakil, deputy director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House, via NPR
