AFP extension
ANNOUNCEMENTS•
Iranian authorities have arrested actress Taraneh Alidoosti. Iranian state media write that she is suspected of spreading “fake news” about nationwide protests against the regime.
Alidoosti had posted a message on Instagram last week expressing support for the first protester executed for participating in the protests. This man, Mohsen Shekari, was hanged on December 9th.
“Any international organization that sees this bloodshed and takes no action is a disgrace to humanity,” Alidoosti wrote.
According to state media, the actress has now been arrested because she could not provide information “to support her claims”. Her Instagram account appears to have been deleted.
Oscars
38-year-old Alidoosti gained international fame for her lead role in the film The seller, which was awarded an Oscar. She has also starred in several other films of successful Iranian director Asghar Farhadi.
The actress previously spoke on Instagram about women’s rights in her country. In November posted a photo of herself unveiled, holding a protest placard.
Already 18,000 people arrested
Major figures in the Iranian film industry have recently been arrested. Two other famous actresses, Hengameh Ghaziani and Katayoun Riahi, were arrested and released. They too had spoken out in favor of the protests on social media.
At least 18,000 people have been arrested and 495 people have been killed since the protests began in September, according to human rights groups.
