Iran urged to free top actor

GBNEWS24DESK//

Celebrities and rights groups yesterday called on Iran to free the actor Taraneh Alidoosti, one of the most prominent figures yet arrested in its three-month crackdown on protests. Alidoosti, 38, was arrested on Saturday, official media said, after a string of social media posts supporting the protest movement including removing her headscarf and condemning the execution of protesters. The unrest was sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, 22, whom the morality police accused of violating the Islamic republic’s strict dress code for women. Iran blames the United States and other “enemies” for trying to destabilise the country by fuelling the demonstrations. Other prominent figures including footballers have been detained in connection with the protests, but Alidoosti has considerable international renown.