Iranians defy Islamic regime with Halloween celebrations as several reportedly detained

Iranians defied the Islamic regime by celebrating Halloween despite restrictions and warnings, with security forces reportedly beating and detaining revelers in Tehran. Women were seen without hijabs, defying the dress code. The crackdown comes amid renewed enforcement of hijab laws. An Iran expert described the celebrations as a form of cultural protest.

Iranians defied the Islamic regime over the past week by dressing up in costumes and celebrating Halloween despite restrictions and warnings, according to Iranian media reports and videos shared online. Several people were reportedly detained and beaten for taking part in the celebrations. Security forces and plainclothes officers broke up a celebration in central Tehran on Friday, Iran International reported, citing witnesses. Young people wearing makeup and costumes were also dispersed by the Basij after gathering near Tehran's Artists Park. In footage shared online, several women defied the Islamic Republic's strict dress code by leaving their hair uncovered. The celebrations come amid a renewed crackdown on violations of Iran's mandatory hijab laws. The Iranian legal advocacy network Dadbaan warned that new restrictions had been imposed on Halloween celebrations in several cities, prompting cultural centers to cancel planned events. Dadbaan emphasized that no law in Iran prohibits the sale of Halloween-related goods or the holding of celebrations. Beni Sabti, an Iran expert at INSS, told The Jerusalem Post that Halloween had grown in size and significance this year, describing it as a kind of cultural protest. The article notes that the framing relies on witness accounts and expert commentary without official Iranian confirmation of the detentions.