Head of Cinema Organization: 'Unveiled' Actresses Cannot Work Until They Apologize

Mohammad Khazaei, the head of the Cinema Organization, recently confirmed the ban on actresses who have removed their mandatory hijab, stating that this prohibition is not a new issue and that these women must express regret if they wish to return to the cinema. In a television program, Khazaei added, "This issue has been raised for a long time regarding those who have unveiled; they cannot act. This is not new and has not been announced now. It has been stated 50 times last year as well." He continued, "Actresses who have removed their hijab must change their stance and say they do not want to be this way and violate the laws, and as long as they insist on their demand for unveiling, there is no way back." Habib Ilbeigi, the deputy of the Cinema Organization, announced earlier this month that actresses opposing the mandatory hijab have been banned from working in new films. Following this, Mohammad Mehdi Esmaeili, the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, also referred to the mandatory hijab as law, stating, "It is not possible to work for those who do not implement the law." Among the actresses facing threats from the Ministry of Guidance and deprived of their right to work are Taraneh Alidoosti, Katayoun Riahi, Hengameh Qaziani, Fatemeh Motamed-Arya, and Afsaneh Baygan. In response to the announcement of her work ban, Taraneh Alidoosti criticized the "excessive remarks" of the Islamic Republic officials, emphasizing, "I will not wear the cloth that killed my sisters for your films." Hengameh Qaziani also wrote on her Instagram story: "On July 9, 1402, I wrote goodbye to acting on Instagram; why do you feel that you have banned me from working? For years, a significant sign of my artistic character has been maintaining my dignity and willpower." Katayoun Riahi, in response to the news of her work ban, wrote in an Instagram story: "My honor does not allow me to work in today’s cinema... Who are you?" Following the nationwide protests that began in September 1401, a number of Iranian artists and actresses criticized the mandatory hijab, called for the repeal of this law, and adopted their desired attire. The United Nations has requested the dissolution of the 'Morality Police': any form of violence against women should be criminalized. There has been an increase in pressure and summons of students; the country’s student guild councils state that this is "unprecedented" and is under the pretext of hijab. The Iranian women's national football team has missed the 2024 Paris Olympics. A hall hosting a ceremony to honor doctors was closed due to the presence of a doctor without a mandatory hijab. Niloufar Mirzaei, one of those detained during the funeral of Armita Garavand, has been transferred to Qarchak Prison. Hengameh Qaziani has been summoned to the Culture and Media Prosecutor's Office. Narges Mohammadi addressed the Nobel Committee: support the people of Iran until they achieve final victory.