The office also raised alarm over a new draft bill that would impose harsher penalties on women appearing in public without the hijab.

Spokesperson Jeremy Laurence stated that there have been widespread arrests and harassment of women and girls in recent months for not complying with the hijab law.

In mid-April 2023, Iranian police intensified checks on hijab use, closing down businesses for non-compliance and using surveillance cameras to identify women without the veil.

This came after the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman arrested for allegedly breaking the hijab law, which led to widespread protests.

In response, the Tehran head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the formation of a new body to enforce existing hijab laws more strictly.

A new hijab bill in Iran could result in up to 10 years' imprisonment, flogging, and fines for those who violate the mandatory dress code.

The Human Rights Office has called for the bill's withdrawal and the release of a rapper, Toomaj Salehi, who was sentenced to death for supporting nationwide protests.

Salehi was arrested in October 2022 for expressing his opinions publicly.

The Human Rights Office urges the release of all individuals imprisoned for exercising their freedom of opinion and expression.