Two Iranian Actresses Fined for Flouting Forced Hijab Rules

Prominent Iranian actresses Katayoun Riahi and Panthea Bahram have been fined $30 each for making public appearances without wearing the mandatory headscarf, according to the Etemad news website. 

The actresses are among dozens of celebrities, artists and sportspeople who have faced economic sanctions, travel bans or detention over the past months for flouting mandatory hijab rules and for supporting protesters' calls for more freedoms and women’s rights.

Riahi appeared without a hijab at a funeral ceremony last month. The veteran actress had already made headlines when she removed her head covering in solidarity with nationwide anti-government protests after the September 2022 death of Mahsa Amini while in police custody after allegedly breaking the hijab law. Riahi was reportedly arrested in November and released on bail a week later.

Iranian social media users widely praised Bahram, another well-known actress, for attending the public screening of a production last month without a hijab. Following the event, the director of the cinema in Tehran where the screening took place was dismissed.

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 a hijab since Amini's death. In response, authorities have made legal threats and closed down many businesses due to the failure of owners or managers to observe hijab rules. Police and volunteers issue warnings in subways, airports and other public places. Text messages have targeted drivers who had women without head covering in their vehicles.