The Intelligence from The Economist Suspension of this belief? Iran’s morality police
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Dec 6, 2022 
Nicholas Pelham, Middle East correspondent, and David Rennie, Beijing bureau chief, dive into the evolving social landscape of Iran and China. They discuss the disbandment of Iran's morality police amid ongoing protests for women's rights and freedoms. Pelham highlights public defiance and the struggle for reform, while Rennie contrasts state-controlled media narratives in China with the reality of widespread unrest. They also explore the surprising influx of women into the funeral services industry and how it reflects broader societal changes.
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Iranian protests and regime response
- Iranian women are defying hijab rules, burning them and chanting "Women, life, freedom."
- The regime's response to the protests is unclear, with confusing messages about disbanding the morality police.
Confusion surrounding morality police status
- It's uncertain whether the morality police are actually disbanded, as the Prosecutor General's statement wasn't echoed by other institutions.
- The morality police enforce Islamic law, especially the dress code for women, and have been a source of fear.
Women defying veil laws
- Women are walking around unveiled, even at airports, signifying a changed social climate.
- Authorities seem preoccupied with containing demonstrations, rather than enforcing morality codes.