On October 18th, the police chief of the Iranian city Esfahan deemed criminal the act of biking (and roller-skating)–for women, that is. Police Chief Hassan Karami stated that police stations and patrols in the city should be increased in order to decrease crimes such as these in the city. He added that “offenders” will be “severely prosecuted.”
About a month ago, the leader of Tehran Friday Prayers, Ahmad Khatami, made a statement that he had gotten “worrying news” about female bicycle riding in Tehran. Local police began “confronting” female cyclists soon after.
Although the issue of wether or not women should be allowed to bicycle in the city has been raised before, lawyer Ahmad Bashiri, based in Tehran, points out that there’s a lack of legal basis stating why female bicycle-riding in Esfahan is actually a crime at all.
[Via: RFERL]
[Photo Via: Kamshots]
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Wow. Didn’t realize that.
Wow! Last year as I walked into Esfahan on my solo walk I spotted a female riding her bike. She was in full tracksuit, gloves and head scarf but being trailed by husband/father in car with hazard lights on. I filmed it as I thought it was such a drag for this girl just to go for a ride. Now this?
Isn’t conservative culture great?
Aw, come on, the TFP needs to lighten up, we need Iran Cycle Chic! They can do nice needle point decorations on their head gear, so it counts. It’s hypocritical to hate Europeans and sale them oil and take their money.
If they want to do right by God then they should embrace bicycling to save the plant and end oil commerce with Europeans and Americans. They are cutting off their nose to spit their face.. :)
Chitgal park, Tehran
Well, there was supposed to be a photo attached to that comment. Here’s the link instead:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tom-allen/3047967931/in/set-72157609627888823/
Don’t be so categoric – it’s not the case that simply cycling as a female is a crime. Let’s not spread any more misconceived generalisations about Iran.