Two More Iranian Actresses Charged over Hijab Violations

Iranian authorities have filed legal cases against two more actresses who recently appeared in public without wearing the mandatory headscarf, local media reported, the latest in a series of similar indictments against celebrities in the country.

Baran Kosari, 37, attended the funeral of actor Hesam Mahmoudi without a headscarf on May 5, Tasnim news agency reported, adding that "her photos were immediately published on the internet and some media." 

Shaghayegh Dehghan, 44, was similarly charged for "not wearing a hijab in a cafe," Mehr news agency said.

"Earlier legal cases had been filed against actresses Katayoun Riahi, Pantea Bahram, Afsaneh Baygan and Fatemeh Motamed-Aria for removing their headscarves," the agency added.

If prosecuted, they could face fines or prison terms.

Iranian authorities have intensified their efforts to impose the compulsory headscarf in recent weeks as more women flout the Islamic Republic's strict dress code.

All women in Iran must conceal their hair with a headscarf and wear loose fitting trousers under their coats while in public. 

But a growing number of women have appeared in public without hijab since 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died in police custody in September, sparking nationwide protests demanding fundamental economic, social and political changes. Amini had been arrested for allegedly wearing a headscarf improperly.

Some defiant women were arrested, summoned by the authorities and faced legal cases, while hundreds of small businesses and shopping malls were shut down for allegedly failing to enforce the country's hijab law on their customers. Iran's police said last month they would begin using "smart" technology in public places to spot women violating the mandatory dress code.

On May 7, Iran's lead prosecutor asked the transport minister to ensure women on planes observe the dress code, the IRNA state news agency reported.

Meanwhile, the head of Iranian athletics was forced to resign after a number of women without a head covering joined a marathon race in the central city of Shiraz.