Iran bans 12 actors from work over hijab violations: Minister

Iranian authorities have banned a dozen women actors for not observing the Islamic Republic's strict dress code, which includes mandatory headscarves. The actresses were detained during last year's protests over the death of Mahsa Amini, who had been arrested for violating the dress code. Penalties for violating the hijab rules include jail sentences of up to 10 years.

Iranian authorities have banned a dozen women actors from working for failing to observe the Islamic republic's strict dress code which includes mandatory headscarves, an official said on October 25.

"Those who do not follow the law, will not be allowed to work," Iran's Culture and Islamic Guidance Minister Mohammad Mehdi Esmaili told reporters after the weekly cabinet meeting.

On October 24, Iranian media reported that a dozen actresses who were found to be violating the hijab law — among them Taraneh Alidoosti, Katayoun Riahi and Fatemeh Motamed-Aria — "will not be allowed to play roles in movies".

Alidoosti and Riahi were among the public figures who were briefly detained during last year's widespread protests over the death in custody of 22-year-old Iranian Kurd Mahsa Amini.

Amini had previously been arrested for allegedly violating Iran's strict dress code for women.

Her death triggered months-long demonstrations which the authorities labelled as "riots" fomented by foreign governments.

Since last year's mass protests, women have been increasingly flouting the dress code which requires head coverings and modest clothes.