Actress Samadi Barred from Leaving Iran

Iranian actress Azadeh Samadi was at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Airport on November 20 to catch a flight and attend a film festival in Goa, India, when her passport was confiscated.

Samadi, a versatile actress in film, theater, and television, was told by Iranian authorities she was not allowed to leave the country. No reason was given for the travel ban. 

Earlier this year, Samadi made headlines when she was detained after wearing a hat instead of a mandatory head covering while attending a funeral.

The judiciary sentenced her to two months in prison and ordered her to undergo psychological treatment for her “antisocial illness.”

Samadi's case reflects the increased persecution of actresses since the eruption of nationwide protests in September 2022.

Many actresses and other celebrities have been arrested and prosecuted for expressing solidarity with the women-led protest movement.