Taraneh Alidousti, the actress known for her role in the Oscar-winning film The Salesman, has reportedly been detained by Iranian authorities, according to an Iranian news service. The report notes that she was taken into custody amid ongoing investigations and legal proceedings in the country. The situation underscores how public figures who express views on social media can become focal points in periods of unrest and political tension.
The agency specifies that Alidousti was detained for allegedly publishing content that was false or distorted, potentially aimed at stirring unrest and supporting movements seen as anti-Iranian by the authorities. In Iran, authorities have repeatedly framed demonstrations as threats to national security, and prosecutions often hinge on social media activity and public statements attributed to activists and celebrities alike.
Following the start of protests, the artist reportedly used her social channels to express solidarity with demonstrators. Such posts have sparked debate about the role of public figures in political dissent, drawing attention to the varying risks faced by celebrities who engage with contentious topics online within the country’s restrictive information environment.
Earlier reports indicated that two teenagers died amid the protests, and there were discussions about penalties for participation in anti-government demonstrations. The reporting highlighted the broader climate of suppression and the severe penalties that have been connected to participation in protests, a context that has drawn international scrutiny and concern from human rights advocates.
One case referenced involved a 17-year-old individual identified as Sognia Sharifi, who was reportedly detained at her grandmother’s home in November after taking part in protests against the government. The charges included serious accusations that have been described by authorities as criminal offenses against the state. Observers have noted that the legal processes surrounding such cases have been opaque, with accusations and arrests often occurring rapidly and without transparent due process. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the treatment of detainees, including reports of coercive practices during arrest and detention in some instances, prompting calls for independent monitoring and due diligence by authorities.