A number of Iranian MPs have introduced a bill to punish violations of hijab (the Islamic dress code) with fines and the possession of satellite receivers with prison terms.

The Etemad daily reported on Thursday October 16 that the bill titled “Preservation of Chastity and Decency” has been signed by 36 representatives so far.

One of the provisions calls on Security Forces to employ women to be deployed in public spaces to give warning to offenders. It also calls for the referral of first offenders to education workshops and second-time offenders to pay a fines from 2 million to 10 million rials.

Another provision also calls for strict enforcement of the ban on satellites, calling for a fine for first-time offenders and imprisonment for later offences.

A majority of Iranian homes use satellite equipment to receive programming despite strict laws against it. Security forces sporadically raid apartment buildings and confiscate satellite dishes. However, people often simply replace the dishes.

Radio Zamaneh