Outcry over Iran's new hijab law that could see women executed or jailed for 15 years

Women in Iran could face the death sentence or up to 15 years in prison if they defy compulsory morality laws due to come into effect tomorrow.

- Deepa Parent

Legislation promoting the "culture of chastity and hijab" passed by the Iranian authorities earlier this month imposes severe penalties for those caught "promoting nudity, indecency, unveiling or improper dressing". These include fines of up to £12,500, flogging and prison sentences ranging from five to 15 years for repeat offenders.

Article 37 of the law also stipulates that those promoting or propagating indecency, unveiling or "bad dressing" to foreign entities, including international media and civil society organisations, could face a decade in prison and up to £12,500 in fines.

Those whose conduct is considered by the authorities to amount to "corruption on Earth" could be sentenced to death under article 286 of Iran's Islamic penal code.

Amnesty International said this in effect meant that women and girls sending videos of themselves unveiled to media outside Iran or "otherwise engaging in peaceful activism" may be sentenced to death.

The human rights group said the law also appeared to provide immunity for anyone who wanted to carry out their "religious duty" and enforce compulsory veiling on women.