Summoning of Several Artists Opposing Mandatory Hijab; Tehran Prosecutor Threatens Them with Arrest

On Wednesday, the Tehran prosecutor stated that several cinema actors have been summoned due to their support for opponents of mandatory hijab and their refusal to comply with government dress regulations. Ali Salehi labeled the accusations against these actors as 'actions and behaviors outside of Islamic norms and values.' The judiciary-affiliated news agency, Mizan, reported that in recent days, Katayoun Riahi, Panteha Bahram, Afsaneh Bayegan, Fatemeh Motamed-Arya, and Reza Kianian have been summoned. This judicial official threatened some of the summoned personalities who have yet to visit the judicial authorities with arrest. Reza Kianian, an actor, referred to not wearing a hijab as a citizen's right during a speech at a memorial for Attila Pessiani. Previously, the Tehran police's information center announced the formation of a judicial case against Katayoun Riahi and Panteha Bahram for 'unveiling in public and posting images on social media.' Recently, Ms. Bayegan, Motamed-Arya, Bahram, Riahi, and Adineh attended artistic events without the mandatory hijab, which received significant support from Iranian users on social media. Following a speech by Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, on April 15, declaring unveiling as 'politically and religiously forbidden,' the authorities intensified their crackdown on opponents of mandatory hijab. Numerous videos and images have been published showing women in various cities of Iran moving in public without the mandatory hijab, indicating the failure of the Iranian government's measures in this regard. Kaveh Farnam, a film producer and member of the Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran, emphasized the necessity for artists to stand with the people and praised the 'courage' of filmmakers who say 'no' to mandatory dress. He stated, 'People are resisting against this government, standing against repression, and engaging in various forms of civil disobedience; artists are not separate from the people, filmmakers have a duty to stand alongside the people, and in the worst conditions, they do not need to be ahead of the people but must be beside them and support them.' Kaveh Farnam, producer: The courage of artists who do not accept mandatory dress is commendable. Two cinema actors were accused of 'unveiling' and 'disturbing public opinion.' Reactions to Afsaneh Bayegan's appearance without a hijab at the Artists' House with lion and sun earrings continue. The crackdown on opponents of mandatory hijab persists; judicial cases have been formed against Katayoun Riahi and Panteha Bahram. Panteha Bahram's appearance without a mandatory hijab at an artistic event led to the closure of Lotus Cinema.