Elnaz Shakerdoust Summoned to Culture and Media Prosecutor's Office for 'Offending Public Morality'

Elnaz Shakerdoust, a prominent cinema and television actress, has been summoned to Branch 9 of the Culture and Media Prosecutor's Office in Tehran after receiving a summons. On Wednesday, July 4, she shared an image of this summons on her Instagram story. The summons requests Shakerdoust to appear by Sunday, July 9, due to allegations of 'offending public morality.' This summons was issued following a report from the Public Security Police (FATA) to address the accusations against her regarding what has been termed 'offending public morality.' In her story, Shakerdoust wrote: 'No matter how much I think, I don’t know how I could have offended public morality? You’ve exhausted me...' Shakerdoust has previously faced judicial actions due to her statements during the nationwide protests of 2022, which erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the Islamic Republic's morality police and spread throughout Iran. Following both direct and indirect support from some artists, particularly female actors, for these protests and opposition to compulsory hijab, the Islamic Republic has dealt with them in various ways. During this period, several female actors were summoned to the prosecutor's office on charges such as 'failure to observe hijab,' 'inappropriate attire,' or 'offending public morality' and faced penalties. The venue for a concert by Azerbaijani singer Damla was shut down by the order of the Ardabil prosecutor. Reactions to the potential 'killing' of Bahareh Leilahi in custody: 'They have put the children of Iranian cinema to sleep.' An Associated Press report stated that 'elections' have increased tensions over compulsory hijab. The goal: to impose compulsory hijab and government attire; 7,000 police officers will be stationed on the northern beaches of Iran. The 'Chastity and Hijab' bill is on the verge of implementation; defenders of the Islamic Republic admit that hijab is not supported even among government officials. The lawyer of Taraneh Alidoosti stated that doctors diagnosed her illness as 'a drug interaction.' Exclusively, the creators of the music video 'Houri' have been summoned to court again. The latest status of the cases of three young protesters; Taraneh Alidoosti has been banned from posting any 'political content.' Ali Nourani, a theater director, has been transferred to Evin Prison.