Deputy Minister of Culture: Collaborating with Hijab-Removing Actors Has Consequences

The Deputy Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance stated that there is no intention to stubbornly eliminate artists permanently, saying: "We will confront platforms that collaborate with actors who have removed their hijabs." Seyyed Mohammad Hashemi emphasized that during the "bitter events of last year," some acted "illegally" and played with the country's security with "indifference and unkindness," which we are well aware of. According to this government official, during last year's events, "perhaps a thousand artists acted illegally, so we should not hold 150,000 accountable and will take negative actions against those who have moved against the law and customs out of spite." Hashemi stressed that one platform that requested a joint program with one of the female actors who removed her hijab was "prevented from doing so, and we announced that this actress is currently not allowed to work due to the clear violation she has committed." In recent months, the participation of some female actors in opposing mandatory hijab and the reactions of institutions affiliated with security and judicial bodies have continued to be controversial. The recent attack by the Kayhan newspaper and the publication of a letter prohibiting "invitation to collaborate" for participation in cinematic works are among the latest incidents. During the nationwide protests last year, a number of artists and actors in cinema and television published images of themselves without mandatory hijab in solidarity with the protests. Their actions received positive reactions from opponents of mandatory hijab but angered the security and judicial institutions of the Islamic Republic. Following these reactions, several of these artists, including Taraneh Alidoosti, Afsaneh Bayegan, Katayoun Riahi, Hengameh Qazian, and others were temporarily detained or summoned and interrogated by security agencies. Despite all these pressures, some of these individuals occasionally make headlines by appearing in public without hijab, emphasizing their opposition to mandatory hijab. The return of the morality police and the arrest of Mohammad Sadeghi; imposing hijab requires the establishment of "thousands of gallows". Widespread user protests against the headline and photo of the Tehran municipality's organ; it is shameful. Protests from filmmakers against the strange ruling of an actor; it is an insult to the intelligence of all cinema professionals. Anahita Nahmti published a hijab-free photo on the day of "Chastity and Hijab." Afsaneh Bayegan also withdrew from acting. Continued restrictions on actors opposing mandatory hijab; Kayhan's attack and prohibition of participation in cinematic works.