The Iranian actress was reportedly detained over her posts that included a picture without her headscarf (Picture: WireImage)
Cannes Film Festival organisers demanded the release of Iranian actress Taraneh Alidootsi following their condemnation of her arrest that took place over the weekend.
The actress was taken into custody by local authorities after they accused her of spreading falsehoods amid the ongoing nationwide protests in the country.
Official media confirmed the 38-year-old’s arrest on Saturday (December 17) which was reportedly carried out after the actress released a thread of social media posts in support of the protest movement.
Her content included imagery of her removing her headscarf and condemnations of the execution of protesters.
The famous film festival took to Twitter to express their outrage at the news of Taraneh’s current circumstances.
Above a picture of the star, their tweet read: ‘The Iranian actress #TaranehAlidoosti was arrested Saturday 17 December as a result of her support for the movement for freedom in her country.
Taraneh Alidoosti was arrested on Saturday for her outspokenness on social media (Picture: REUTERS)
‘The @Festival_Cannes strongly condemns this arrest and demands her immediate release. #FreeTaranehAlidoosti [sic]’
Organisers went on to explain the Iranian figure’s connection to the event and expressed their full support for her.
They wrote: ‘The favourite actress of Ashgar Farhadi, #TaranehAlidoosti was at #Cannes2022 for her role in Saeed Roustayi’s Leila’s Brothers.
‘In solidarity with the peaceful struggle she is carrying out for freedom and women’s rights, the @Festival_Cannes extends their full support to her. [sic]’
Taraneh attended the 75th annual Cannes film festival to promote her film (Picture: Getty Images)
The star stood up in support of the ongoing nationwide protests in her country (Picture: Getty Images)
The protests in Iran were sparked as a direct result of the death of Mahsa Amini, 22, who was accused of violating the Islamic Republic’s strict dress code for women by the morality police.
One of Taraneh’s posts commented on the execution of Mohsen Shekari who was killed on December 9 after being charged with blocking a street and attacking a member of the country’s security forces with a machete.
The upload read: ‘His name was Mohsen Shekari. Every international organisation who is watching this bloodshed and not taking action is a disgrace to humanity.’
She is not the first famous face to be arrested in connection to the expression of her views.
Last month, two other actors – Hengameh Ghaziani and Katayoun Riahi – were detained by authorities (and later released) for voicing their solidarity with protesters on social media.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : At least 26 Iranian protesters ‘at great risk of execution’
MORE : Iranian actress who starred in Oscar-winning film faces arrest after posing without headscarf
She was arrested on Saturday.
