For Hijab Law Violations, 12 Actresses Banned From Acting In Films In Iran

The Iranian authorities have banned a dozen actresses for violating the hijab law and particularly not following the Islamic Republic's strict dress code which includes mandatory headscarves, AFP reported citing officials.

The government on Tuesday released the list of actresses who cannot work in movies for failing to wear the mandatory hijab. Baran Kosari, Vishka Asayesh, Taraneh Alidousti, Katayoun Riahi, Panteha Bahram, Hengameh Ghaziani and Pegah Ahangarani are among a dozen actresses who are barred from working in movies.

"Due to the constraints they confront, these actresses will no longer be able to pursue their careers in cinema. Nevertheless, their previous works will be gradually released to safeguard the interests of film producers, given the substantial investments made in these projects. However, they will be barred from participating in any forthcoming film productions," the director of the Supervision Department, Habib Ilbeigi, said.

Alidoosti and Riahi, along with other prominent individuals, were briefly held in custody during the extensive protests that took place last year in response to the tragic demise of 22-year-old Iranian Kurd, Mahsa Amini, while she was in custody.

Amini's initial arrest had been on charges of purportedly breaching Iran's stringent regulations regarding women's attire.

Her passing gave rise to sustained demonstrations that spanned several months, which the authorities labelled as "riots" incited by foreign entities.

Since the significant protests last year, many celebrities from entertainment, and sports have faced significant governmental pressure. The authorities have tried to clip their wings by clashing the salaries, freezing bank accounts, work bans, etc.