Iranian Psychiatrists Fight Judges' Verdict Against Actresses

Top Iranian psychiatrists have protested rulings on two actresses who defied hijab, saying the diagnoses by the judiciary are unqualified.

Azadeh Samadi and Afsaneh Baygan were claimed to have "mental illness and anti-family personality" according to judges rather than mental health professionals after they were caught defying Iran's tough hijab laws.

Leading psychiatrists have said “the diagnosis of mental disorders falls squarely within the purview of psychiatrists, rather than judges.” They expressed deep concern about the language and rationale employed in the ruling, particularly in the context of diagnosing a condition termed "antisocial personality."

They have deemed the judges' conclusions "unscientific and strange," emphasizing that it is crucial for accurate psychiatric assessments to be conducted by qualified professionals in the field.

The campaign is being led between The Scientific Association of Psychiatrists, The Scientific Association of Psychosomatic Medicine, The Scientific Association of Psychotherapy, and the Psychological Association of Iran which published an open letter addressed to Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, the Chief Justice, voicing their concerns and objections.

The associations underscore the necessity of avoiding the unwarranted labeling of individuals' behaviors with psychiatric diagnostic titles. Such an approach, they argue, “not only lacks scientific validity but also may result in exacerbating the stigma surrounding mental illnesses, leading people to be more reluctant in seeking essential mental health services.”

The two women now face imprisonment, a travel ban, and restrictions on using virtual platforms.