Iranian authorities have arrested two popular local actresses after they showed support for the country’s protest movement and appeared in public without a headscarf or headscarf.
Hengameh Ghaziani, who has appeared in films such as Parviz Sheikh Tadi’s day of life (2012) and by Reza Mirkarimi Simple as that (2008), and Katayoun Riahi, who won the best actress award at the 2002 Cairo Film Festival for Fereydoun Jeyrani’s film. The Last Supperwas detained after posting “provocative” social media posts, Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported.
The latest arrests come amid nationwide protests in Iran that have erupted following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was arrested by the country’s ethics police for allegedly not wearing a helmet. head scarf properly. Authorities have violently cracked down on protests that they say have been incited by Western governments hostile to Tehran.
Ghaziani on Saturday posted a video of her on Instagram in which she removes her hijab, a symbol of Iran’s many religious authorities and persecution. “Perhaps this will be my last post,” she wrote. “From this moment on, whatever happens to me, know that as always, I will be with the Iranian people until my last breath.”
In the accompanying video, Ghaziani, not wearing a headscarf, turns to face the camera and without saying a word, turns around and ties her hair into a ponytail.
She has been outspoken online, last week uploading a post calling the Iranian government “child killers” for “killing” more than 50 children. The state crackdown on protesters has resulted in the deaths of at least 378 people, including 47 children, according to figures from the Iranian Human Rights group. At least six protesters were sentenced to death for participating in demonstrations. Amnesty International reports that at least 21 people have been charged with crimes that could lead to the death penalty.
Iranian state media said Ghaziani was arrested for inciting and supporting “riots” – the government’s term for street protests – and for communicating with opposition media.
Riahi was arrested after giving an interview without a hijab on Iran International TV, a London-based channel that harshly criticizes the Tehran regime. Riahi also expressed solidarity with the protesters on the street.
These high-profile arrests follow a wave of protests against the resignation of some of Iran’s most popular TV presenters and hosts. Farhad Fakhrbakhsh, Kimia Gilani and Davoud Abedi – all familiar faces on Iranian television – have resigned in recent days, citing the protests.
Iran’s crackdown on protesters is likely to be in the spotlight later today when the Iran national football team takes the field at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar for its opening match against England. Before the game, Iran’s captain, Ehsan Hajsafi, said his country’s players “support” those killed in the protests. “We have to accept that the conditions in our country are not suitable and our people are not happy,” he said.
During the preparations for the tournament, there were calls for Iran to be disqualified as campaigners pointed out the country’s human rights record, its treatment of women and alleged military support for Iran. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
