Women attacked with acid in Iran targeted because of 'bad hijab,' some fear

Authorities have not commented on a motive for the attacks in city of Isfahan, but chatter on social media suggests women targeted because of their clothing.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
A woman wearing a hijab [Illustrative] (photo credit: INGIMAGE)
A woman wearing a hijab [Illustrative]
(photo credit: INGIMAGE)
A number of acid attacks against women in Iran in recent months have raised fears among some that the victims were singled out because they were not wearing veils that sufficiently covered them, AFP reported on Sunday.
Iranian authorities told local media that arrests have been made in the case, but declined to comment on a possible motive. The attacks have occurred in the city of Isfahan against female drivers.
While authorities mentioned four such attacks, AFP cited "chatter" on social media networks in Iran as saying there had been as many as 13 incidents in which women who were "badly veiled" were targeted.
Conservatives have denounced the style of dress that they call "bad hijab" - a thin veil and form fitting clothing instead of the traditional loose, full body covering, according to the report. The law of the Islamic Republic put in place in 1979 calls for women to wear loose clothing and a hijab that covers both the head and neck.
The report added that some Iranian parliamentarians have urged President Hassan Rouhani to make sure that police better enforce the wearing of the proper veil.
AFP quoted a senior cleric in Isfahan as telling local media, however, that such attacks are "reprehensible...even if a woman goes out into the street  in the worst way."
 
  


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