Revolutionary Court Sentences Hanieh Tosoli to Imprisonment and Fine

The Islamic Revolutionary Court sentenced Hanieh Tosoli, a well-known theater and cinema actress and supporter of the nationwide protests of 2022, to imprisonment and a monetary fine. Maryam Kian Arthi, Hanieh Tosoli's lawyer, announced on Sunday, November 19, that according to the ruling of Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court, her client was sentenced to '6 months of punitive imprisonment and a fine of 15 million tomans' for publishing what the court deemed 'false statements with the intent to disturb public opinion,' with the execution of the prison sentence suspended for 3 years. This September, coinciding with increased pressure on protesters in Iran and the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death, Hanieh Tosoli's sister reported her arrest on Instagram. Tanaz, Hanieh Tosoli's sister, wrote on September 17: 'My sister Hanieh Tosoli was arrested at her home at 11:45 PM on September 17 and taken to an unknown location.' Hanieh Tosoli is among the prominent filmmakers in Iran who has previously supported the nationwide protests. Mahnaz Afshar, a well-known actress in Iranian cinema and theater, referred to Hanieh Tosoli as 'a noble and free person' in a post on social media, noting that she had given up acting after Mahsa Amini's death, and urged people to 'be her voice.' The pressure on civil activists and families seeking justice has increased in the weeks leading up to the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death, with the repressive forces of the Islamic Republic arresting several of them. With the expansion of protests against the Islamic Republic in Iran, sociologist Shahla Shafigh told Voice of America that the majority of the Iranian people have now realized that religion is 'a tool for the rulers' power.' Maryam Shariatmadari, a political activist, also stated that 'our problem is with the entire Islamic Republic' and 'society will never go back.' U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken remarked that 'a year ago, the tragic and senseless death of Mahsa in the custody of Iran's so-called 'morality police' sparked protests across Iran that faced unprecedented violence, mass arrests, systematic internet disruptions, and censorship by the Iranian regime.' He added, 'We will continue to work with our international partners to hold accountable those who suppress Iranians' enjoyment of human rights.' Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, also referred to the 'tragic' end of Mahsa's life last September, stating, 'Her courage inspired a movement that has remained steadfast against ongoing brutality.' She added, 'The United States' commitment to standing with the people of Iran will remain unwavering.'