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Iran Opens Criminal Case Over Kish Marathon After Images Show Unveiled Women

The case highlights a widening split between Iran's president versus the judiciary over enforcement of mandatory hijab laws.

Overview

  • The Kish prosecutor, cited by the judiciary's Mizan agency, said the event violated public decency and announced proceedings against the organizers.
  • Local media reported more than 5,000 runners took part on the Persian Gulf island, with women-only races where some participants appeared without head coverings in social media videos.
  • La Dépêche reported two organizers were detained, including a Kish free-zone official and a staffer of the private organizer, as authorities called for firm, deterrent measures.
  • Tasnim news agency criticized what it called a total lack of oversight and widespread dress-code violations by participants.
  • The episode unfolds as visible non-compliance with the four-decade hijab mandate has grown and authorities alternately shut venues for violations or permit some cultural events with unveiled attendees.