Iranian actor Taraneh Alidoosti arrested for anti-Hijab protests gets bail after 18 days: Report

Protests in Iran: Lawyers for Iranian actor Taraneh Alidoosti told the media that she was released on bail.

Teheran:

Iranian authorities on Wednesday released actor Taraneh Alidoosti on bail after keeping her in prison for more than two weeks, CNN reported citing state-linked ISNA.

Last year, in December, Alidoosti was arrested for criticizing the execution of a man who participated in nationwide protests. She condemned the hanging of Mohsen Shekari, who was killed in December in the first known execution linked to the protests.

Alidoosti’s lawyer told ISNA she was released on bail. After her release, various photos of her blossomed on social media. She was seen with flowers and supporters after her release, according to CNN.

Alidoosti, who starred in the 2016 Oscar winning film “Seller” and has appeared in many popular Iranian TV shows, is known for his active involvement in the MeToo movement in the film industry. Iran and is one of several Iranian celebrities to express support for the protest.

Earlier, ‘Avengers’ star Mark Ruffalo shared a photo showing that more than 600 artists worldwide have signed a petition demanding the release of Alidoosti.

The open letter titled “Free Taraneh Alidoosti” was signed by notable figures including Emma Thompson, Mark Ruffalo, Penelope Cruz, Kate Winslet and Kristen Stewart, according to CNN.

He wrote, “Over 600 artists worldwide have signed an open letter calling for the release of award-winning actor and writer Taraneh Alidoosti. We demand her freedom. Let’s go. join us. Petition link below.”

In the tweet, Ruffalo also attached a list of some artists who have stood up for the cause. It includes stars like Jason Momoa, Amma Thompson, Penelope Cruz, Kate Winslet, John Oliver and Kristen Stewart among others.

Alidoosti was arrested for “lack of evidence for her claims,” ​​CNN reported citing Fars news agency. In November, she shared a photo of herself on Instagram without a Muslim hijab and holding a sign reading “Women, Life, Freedom” in support of the protest movement.

After Shekari’s execution, Taraneh Alidoosti in another post said: “Your silence means support for dictatorship and tyrant”, adding that “every international organization is witnessing it.” This scene of bloodshed without action, is a disgrace to humanity,” according to CNN. Since then, her account on Instagram has been deleted.

She appeared in the 2016 Oscar winning film, ‘The Salesman’, and starred in many popular Iranian TV shows.

(Except for the title, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from an aggregated feed.)