During the pre-election campaigns, Ahmadinejad kept insisting, with a very kind voice, that the rumors that he would limit social freedom is a myth. In a famous TV interview he asked if the country’s problems were just a few girls’ hairs. Today, Tehran Police Chief said “our society is a value-based society and breaking these values is against the norm (Fars). Thus, the people will not stand breaking the values and Police, as the body responsible for the values of the society, would intervene.” Examples of such violations were mentioned by him as “short pants, short scarves, short and tight manteaus, and transparent cloths”. Regarding the practical way of dealing with “immodesty” he listed three levels: “if the violation could be resolved in the street, the violator would be guided and after the appearance is corrected the person would be let go. If the appearance can not be corrected in the street, they will be arrested and transferred to Police centers, where the families will also get involved. In case of resistance, the Judiciary will step in.”
In another news (Entekhab), the Police also announced that people will be asked for their Military Service Cards. According to the law, every male citizen must serve for two years in the army. After that, a card will be issued. Only at the time of war the Police would ask people for their cards. During the war with Iraq, failure to producing that card would result in being arrested and even transferred to the front.
Thanks to Smileme for the hint.
Could you please explain 1 thing to me? If someone was born in Iran but has not lived there for a long time and is a citizen of another country (eg. US or UK), and he goes to Iran on a trip for a week or 2, would the police also demand a military card, or would they just demand a document proving that he is visiting the country so that he does not need to present such a card? Does Iran recognize dual citizenship?
Comment by xx — April 9, 2007 @ 3:53 pm
Xx
This is a complex situation. In the time of Khatami, the situation became much better. Even those who were not citizen of other countries would easily enter the country but they should pay the penalty (or serve!). Then the parliament issued a new law that selling the military service was not allowed any more. This was because the rich people could afford to buy their military service where as the poor should serve. Many people agreed with the new law because it was fair.
About your question, the IR government can do anything without any international responsibility. I remember a case when I was flying from Dubai to Tehran. In Imam Khomeini airport we were in the line of port of entry. There was a boy in my line who was about 25 years old. He looked very upset. When it was his turn, he went to the cabin and the sepahi guys came and arrested him. One guy who was in front of me said these people have been political refugees and when they come with their foreign passport, the police arrests them.
It’s better to contact the Iranian embassy and make sure about the latest rules (they change the rules everyday). Usually people in the embassy are nice. They answer you properly. At least my experience was like that.
Comment by Smileme — April 10, 2007 @ 2:24 am
Smileme,
Thanks for the answer. :)
Comment by Kamangir — April 10, 2007 @ 5:24 am
Iran does not accept dual or multiple citizenship (this Law has been carried over from Shah’s era) You will remain Iranian for entire life unless you officially request your citizenship to be revoked (let’s see who dares..) and your request must be approved by all Cabinet members (excluding the Prez). So if you are an Iranian-American and has not been drafted your service will be due upon return to Iran. Hope this help.
Comment by Motori — April 10, 2007 @ 4:04 pm
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