Iran hijab protests a Western conspiracy: Khamenei

: Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has derided Iranian women protesting against wearing of the hijab as victims of a Western conspiracy. (AFP via Getty Images)
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Updated 29 July 2022
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Iran hijab protests a Western conspiracy: Khamenei

  • Supreme leader: ‘The enemies’ goal is to spread doubt among the people and shake their faith’

LONDON: Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has derided Iranian women protesting against wearing of the hijab as victims of a Western conspiracy orchestrated by the UK and US, The Times reported on Friday.

He said Britain and “especially” the US had deployed their media to “attack” the strict dress code imposed by authorities upon women in Iran.

“The enemies’ goal is to spread doubt among the people and shake their faith, which is the main factor in maintaining the country and the Islamic system,” Khamenei told imams.

The strict dress code imposed in the wake of the 1979 revolution has faced decades-long protests by women in Iran.

On July 12, the National Day of Hijab and Chastity, activists called on women to take off their hijab in a campaign of civil disobedience.


Israeli forces kill Palestinian teenager near Bethlehem

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Israeli forces kill Palestinian teenager near Bethlehem

  • The 17-year-old was taken to a local health center but died soon after
  • Over 1,000 Palestinians, including militants, have been killed in the occupied West Bank by Israeli forces or settlers since the start of the Gaza war in late 2023

LONDON: The Palestinian Ministry of Health confirmed that Israeli forces killed a Palestinian teenager in Tuqu town, southeast of Bethlehem, on Monday.

Tayseer Abu Mifreh, head of Tuqu’s council, said Israeli soldiers raided the village and fired indiscriminately, seriously injuring Ammar Yaser Sabbah with a live round to the chest. According to Wafa news agency, the 17-year-old was taken to a local health center for first aid, but he died from his injury soon after.

Over 1,000 Palestinians, including militants, have been killed in the occupied West Bank by Israeli forces or settlers since the start of the Gaza war in late 2023, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

During the same period, 43 Israelis, including soldiers, have been killed in Palestinian attacks in the West Bank, according to official Israeli figures.