Iranians Facing Unusual and Harsh Punishments for Anti-Government Protests
Islamabad:In Iran, individuals involved in anti-government protests are facing punishments that are not only harsh but also unusual and bizarre.
The protests erupted in the wake of the death of Mahsa Amini, a woman who died in police custody, sparking widespread demonstrations across the country. The protests, which saw participation from people from various sectors, also saw significant involvement from celebrities and figures within Iran’s film industry.
Those involved in the protests have been met with penalties that are both severe and unorthodox. Notable actress Azadeh Samadi, who protested against the government’s actions, particularly the mandatory hijab law for women, was banned from using social media for six months and was sentenced to undergo a psychological course to correct her “anti-social behavior” by an Iranian court.
Famous filmmaker Saeed Rostai faced a ban on interacting with people in the film industry and was ordered to take a course on “ethical filmmaking.”
Photojournalist Yalda Moayeri was sentenced to six years in prison along with the task of writing a 100-page essay analyzing the thoughts of Ayatollahs.
Similarly, famous actress Taraneh Alidoosti, who had actively participated in the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement following Mahsa Amini’s death, was prevented from boarding a flight.
These unusual and stringent punishments reflect the Iranian government’s response to dissent, particularly in the wake of the protests against the regime’s policies.
