Iran International:

The Islamic Republic has officially postponed the implementation of the controversial hijab law that imposes severe penalties on women and girls who defy veiling requirements, following huge backlash from the public and the international community.

Iran's Supreme National Security Council, in a letter to the parliament on Saturday, requested that the process of implementing the Hijab and Chastity law be halted so that an amended bill can be submitted to the parliament by the government, said a member of the Parliament's presiding board.

The 'Law on Protecting the Family through the Promotion of the Culture of Chastity and Hijab,' comprising 74 articles, was set to take effect yesterday. It imposes severe penalties on women and girls who defy veiling requirements, including exorbitant fines, prison terms, flogging, and even death penalty.

On Tuesday, Amnesty International condemned the new law, saying it intensifies the oppression of women and girls while exposing activists opposing the rules to charges carrying the death penalty.

Go to link