Iran’s new chastity and hijab bill: what you need to know

Iran’s parliament has approved a controversial new bill under which women face up to 10 years in prison if they continue to defy the country’s mandatory hijab rules. Subscribe to Guardian News on YouTube ► The stricter dress code, which UN experts say is “tantamount to gender apartheid” with the intention of suppressing women into “total submission”, comes exactly one year after the death in custody of Mahsa Amini. The 22-year-old was allegedly beaten by police for wearing the Islamic headscarf incorrectly.  Concerned activists have said the regime’s new plans would ’weaponise public morals’, denying women and girls their freedom of expression. The bill will require final approval from Iran’s Guardian Council, a powerful body that vets legislation and oversees elections. It comprises 12 men and is headed by a recently re-elected 97-year-old cleric, Ahmad Jannati, who has been its chair since 1988. The Guardian publishes independent journalism, made possible by supporters. Contribute to The Guardian today ► Sign up to the Guardian’s free new daily newsletter, First Edition ► Website ► Facebook ► Twitter ► Instagram ► The Guardian on YouTube:  The Guardian ► Guardian Australia ► Guardian Football ► Guardian Sport ► Guardian Live ► #MahsaAmini #Hijab #Iran #IranianAuthorities #MoralityPolice