London, December 06, 2025
Two organizers of a marathon held on Kish Island, Iran, were arrested for allowing women to compete without hijab, violating Iran’s strict Islamic dress codes and public decency laws. The event attracted over 5,000 participants and took place amid ongoing tensions around hijab enforcement.
Arrests and Charges
Two individuals—a representative from the Kish Free Zone and an organizer from a private company—were detained following images and footage revealing unveiled female runners at the marathon. Authorities charged them with breaching public decency laws and placed them under judicial supervision. This supervision includes restrictions on their employment and involvement in sports event management.
Marathon Details and Controversy
The marathon attracted more than 5,000 runners and was held despite explicit warnings and opposition from Iran’s Athletics Federation, which cited legal and religious objections. Organizers proceeded with the event, allowing women to participate without mandatory hijab, triggering a swift response from conservative authorities.
Legal and Societal Context
Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran enforces strict dress codes requiring women to cover their hair and dress modestly in public. These regulations have been rigorously applied, especially after significant protests in 2022 sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a woman detained for alleged hijab violations. The crackdown reflects heightened sensitivities around compliance with Islamic dress laws.
Reaction from Authorities and Media
Official statements emphasized the judiciary’s commitment to treating violators decisively and warned that sporting activities must adhere strictly to legal and religious regulations. Conservative media outlets condemned the marathon, framing the presence of unveiled women as a violation of Islamic values and public decency. Lawmakers criticized officials for lax enforcement following recent social unrest.
Broader Implications
The arrests underscore the ongoing friction between state-enforced religious mandates and segments of society advocating for greater personal freedoms. While sports often serve as a unifying platform, in this instance, the event became a focal point of legal and ideological confrontation. The judiciary’s firm stance signals continued vigilance and potential punitive measures for those seen as defying hijab laws.
This incident illustrates the broader challenges faced by organizers and participants in public events within Iran, where balancing societal norms, legal restrictions, and emerging public dissent remains a complex and often contentious issue.