On Tuesday, the Iranian government announced the suspension of the country’s controversial morality police, the Gasht-e Ershad. The suspension comes in response to public outcry against the force, which has been criticized for its heavy-handed tactics.

The Gasht-e Ershad, which translates to “Guidance Patrol”, is a unit of the Islamic Republic’s police force that was created in the 1980s to enforce the country’s strict dress code, moral standards, and laws. The force has been accused of harassing, intimidating, and even assaulting Iranian citizens for perceived violations of the law.

In recent years, the Gasht-e Ershad has come under increased scrutiny from Iranians who view it as an oppressive and outdated organization. In recent months, protests against the force have erupted in major cities across the country.

In response to the public outcry, Iran’s Interior Minister, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, announced that the Gasht-e Ershad would be suspended until further notice. He decided that the decision was made in order to ensure the public’s security and freedom.

The decision to suspend the morality police has been welcomed by many in Iran, who have long viewed the force as oppressive. The police have been criticized for enforcing strict dress codes, interfering with private conversations, and even harassing citizens. In a society that is becoming increasingly connected to the world, citizens have been pushing back against the morality police’s attempts to control social behavior.

The suspension of the morality police may be a small step forward in the fight for greater freedom and equality in Iran, but it remains to be seen what other changes may follow. With the continued involvement of citizens, international organizations, and the government, the future of women’s rights in Iran is looking brighter and more promising than ever.