Caning Cases – Mannequins Next?

While Sudanese journalist Lubna Ahmed al-Hussein escaped the caning, and Malaysian model Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno is waiting to see if she will be caned, over in Iran police have issued a statement that says that all mannequins must be covered up.  By this they mean that the mannequins should wear headscarves and body curves must be hidden by the dresses so they can’t be seen.

The statement issued by the moral security police in charge of Islamic dress codes states:  ”Using unusual mannequins exposing the body curves and with the heads without Hijabs (Muslim veil) are prohibited to be used in the shops.”

Since 2005 when Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was first elected President, Iranian police have enforced strict dress codes in a campaign against Western cultural influences. 

Besides warning against inappropriately dressed mannequins, the police statement also prohibit “showing necktie and bowtie behind the windows.”

Lastly, the police statement also said that “the selling of women’s underwear by men are prohibited.”

Last year’s police campaign included a drive against tight women’s trousers and men with “Western” hairstyles.

A reuters report says that dress codes are most often flouted in wealthier, urban areas. Conservative dress is the norm in poorer, rural areas.

Think about it.  Should governments regulate or dictate what its citizens should or should not wear?  With restrictions like these, how is the average shopkeeper going to advertise his dresses or shirts?  The purpose of using mannequins is to bring out the beauty of ladies dresses and the smartness of men’s shirts with appropriate neckties or bowties. How will shopkeepers cope with these restrictions?  If they disregard these restrictions, how will they be punished?  And will the mannequins be caned for being inappropriately dressed?

Previous posts

Woman’s Jeans – OK In Iran But Not In Sudan
Sudan Caning Case – Lubna Realised, But What Next?
Kartika’s Caning – Sisters In Islam Intervenes
Caning Cases – Now It’s Man’s Turn
Caning Cases – Now It’s Couple Turn