Iranian authorities Saturday announced the installation of surveillance cameras in various public locations to identify and penalise women who defy the national religious dress code by not wearing a hijab. The number of women publicly resisting Iran’s dress code has spiked following protests arising from the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the course of police custody.

Iran’s Chief of Police Ahmad-Reza Radan explained how the new technology will operate: “With the use of advanced technology and equipment, the person is identified. She will be warned and then that person will be introduced to the judicial system with the documents to deal with the issue.” Surveillance monitoring of unveiled women will also extend to private businesses and commercial buildings. Entire businesses will face sanctions if female staff, clients or customers are not in compliance with hijab restrictions. Officer Radan stated, “Businesses that do not abide by the headscarf law will be warned first. Then they will receive the warning of being closed and then they will be closed. This warning includes halls, restaurants and large shopping centres.”

Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khameni commented, “The issue of the hijab is a legal Sharia restriction. Its not a Government restriction. It is legal and religious. Unveiling the hijab is forbidden in Sharia.”