After the death of Masha Amini: Iran is now threatened with economic collapse

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A year after the death of Mahsa Amini (†22), the economic crisis in Iran is in the foreground. “I believe that economic issues are now much more important than the headscarf issue,” says Sarah. Many Iranians feel the same way as the 41-year-old housewife did a year after the death of Mahsa Amini, which sparked protests across the country. High inflation and the economic crisis have pushed the debate about strict dress codes to the background. Many Iranians are fighting for survival.

“I personally have no problem with the headscarf, but I would be happier if economic conditions improved,” says Sahra. Like other women interviewed by the AFP news agency, she did not want to give her surname for fear of reprisals.

The 22-year-old Kurdish woman Amini died in police custody on September 16, 2022. She was arrested for allegedly violating the Islamic Republic’s strict dress code, which requires women to cover their heads and necks.

Women ignore the obligation to wear a headscarf

After Amini’s death, Iranians took to the streets en masse for months under the motto ‘Woman, life, freedom’. It was one of the largest protest movements in the country’s history. Several hundred people were killed and thousands arrested.

Despite government efforts to tighten dress codes, women in Iran, especially in the capital Tehran, are increasingly ignoring the requirement to wear a headscarf. But with inflation at 50 percent, many believe the economy is the biggest problem right now.

The president wants to empower the poor

The headscarf “is a completely secondary and personal matter,” said Raha, a 34-year-old accountant. It is much more important to improve living conditions.

Economic grievances have continued to fuel popular discontent since last year’s protests, observers say. President Ebrahim Raisi (62), who has been in power for two years, blames ‘the enemy’ for the crisis. He promised to restore the country’s ailing economy, curb inflation and “empower the poor.”

“I feel three to four times the economic pressure”

Iran has been under US sanctions since Washington’s unilateral withdrawal from the landmark nuclear deal in 2018. The local currency, the rial, lost about 66 percent of its value against the dollar.

Lawyer Mahtab blames the government for the misery with its “wrong economic policy”. “I feel three to four times the economic pressure compared to last year,” says the 41-year-old.

The labyrinth of alleys of Tehran’s Grand Bazaar is busy as ever, with women with and without headscarves strolling the aisles. The stalls are full of colorful goods. But the mood among traders is gloomy.

“Many people can no longer afford the goods they need”

“The bazaar is busy, but many people come here just to distract themselves instead of shopping,” complains Mehdi, who sells household items. “Many people can no longer afford the goods they need.”

“The economic situation is worse than last year, and it will get worse,” predicts Mohsen, a men’s clothing salesman. “Prices are rising every day. People first need to see how they pay for their housing and food.”

However, the debate about the headscarf has not died down

Imported products have become a luxury that only a few can afford. “Most of the goods in the bazaar, such as pots, spoons and forks, are now manufactured domestically,” said Mohammed, who works at another household goods store.

However, the debate about the headscarf has not died down. Parliament is debating a bill that would impose harsh penalties on women who violate dress codes. “Some people like this bill, but the general population does not,” said Fatemeh, a 43-year-old housewife.

Accountant Raha demands that politicians set clear priorities: “First they must tackle the economic problem, then they can gradually tackle social issues.” (AFP)

Source: Blick