Iran Faces Criticism for Psychological Punishments of Actresses Over Hijab Violations
Iran has come under fire for its harsh treatment of actresses who have publicly opposed the country’s mandatory hijab law. Afsaneh Bayegan, a well-known cinema and television actress, is the latest to be convicted, receiving a two-year prison sentence and mandatory psychological treatment for what the court labels an anti-family personality disorder. This verdict follows similar punishments given to actresses Azadeh Samadi and Leila Bolukat.
The recent use of psychological treatment and other controversial penalties, including being made to wash corpses, has sparked outrage among human rights activists. They accuse the judiciary of disregarding basic human rights. Samadi’s sentence requires her to visit psychiatric centers every two weeks for treatment related to an anti-social disease, culminating in a health certificate to be presented to authorities. Bolukat, on the other hand, was sentenced to one year in prison for wearing a hat instead of a hijab.
Mehdi Kouhian, from the legal and judicial follow-up committee for the Iranian Cinema House, revealed additional penalties for Bayegan, which include weekly visits to psychiatric centers for her anti-family personality disorder. Furthermore, she is required to read and summarize a book within two months and faces a two-year travel ban as well as a ban on using cyberspace for the next two years. Kouhian criticized the use of disgusting and shocking language by the Criminal Court.
In response to these verdicts, the Iranian Director’s Guild and the Producers’ Union released a joint statement condemning the punishments as an insult to the intelligence of all cinema professionals. They pledged full support to all female Iranian cinema actors and filmmakers affected by such rulings. This backlash has extended to social media, with Iranian actresses increasingly appearing in public without adhering to the mandatory hijab as a form of peaceful protest.
Such acts of civil disobedience have been on the rise in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini in September. Amini died while in police custody for an alleged headscarf violation. While the protests may be subsiding, resistance to the hijab is likely to continue growing, as it has become a symbol of the state’s repression of women and its crackdown on society.
The treatment of Iranian cinematographers and prominent public figures has also raised concerns, with several individuals being summoned by the police or arrested. Among them is director Hamid Porazari.
The situation surrounding Iran’s enforcement of the mandatory hijab law highlights the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and freedom of expression in the country. The court’s use of psychological punishments has drawn international criticism for its violation of human rights. As the protests persist and voices of dissent grow louder, it remains to be seen how the Iranian government will respond to calls for change.
