IranWire

Iranian authorities have summoned a group of young women after they participated in Ashura religious ceremony without wearing the mandatory hijab. (video)

The ceremony held in Karaj, near Tehran, has sparked controversy after videos circulated showing several young women participating without wearing the mandatory hijab.

The incident has led to swift action from authorities and ignited a debate on social media.

Hamid Hodavand, the police commander of Alborz province, announced on Wednesday that law enforcement has identified and summoned the individuals involved in the incident.

"Given the release of a video on social media about the presence of several girls without hijab in the Ashura day mourning and the harming of the feelings of Hosseini mourners throughout the country, pursuing the issue was placed on the agenda of the police officers of the province," Hodavand said, according to ISNA state news agency.

The police commander emphasized that they "do not condone the violation of the sacred space of the imams and will deal with the violators according to the law."

The incident comes amid law enforcement agencies intensifying the enforcement of hijab regulations by implementing the Noor Plan since April 13.

There have been numerous reports of women being arrested and harassed for perceived violations of dress codes across Iran.

Users across social networks are participating in a spontaneous campaign using the hashtag "war against women" to document their experiences and observations regarding the government's crackdown on the opponents of mandatory hijab.

Reports have also emerged detailing repressive tactics, especially targeting female students in various universities.

Additionally, there has been increasing pressure on civil activists, political dissenters, women political prisoners, and cultural figures.