Iranian actress faces legal action for dancing in web series

Iranian judicial authorities have taken legal action against actress Sahar Dolatshahi for allegedly “dancing” in a scene from a drama series, Dariush, as the government continues its crackdown on personal freedoms.

The judiciary labeled her actions “contrary to Islamic principles,” sparking outrage among Iranians who see the move as yet another sign of the government's control over cultural expression.

The Mizan website, a mouthpiece for Iran’s judiciary, announced on Tuesday that Dolatshahi, the production company of the series, and the streaming platform Filimo, have all been subjected to judicial proceedings. The authorities provided no details on the specific charges or punishments.

The scene in question, featured in the seventh episode of Dariush, shows Dolatshahi and veteran actor Atash Taghipour engaging in what could barely be described as dance-like movements. 

Dancing has been officially banned in Iran since the 1979 revolution, with clerics branding it a "sinful act" and "an act of lust." In the eyes of the system, even the most innocent forms of self-expression are to be policed, particularly when they involve prominent public figures like Dolatshahi. Despite these laws, the Iranian people continue to engage in cultural traditions such as ethnic dance which the government refers to as "rhythmic movements" in an attempt to avoid the word "dance."

While Iranian officials claim that content is vetted and approved before release, Dolatshahi’s case is yet another example of Iran's unpredictable enforcement of its laws. The series was released with the necessary permissions from Satra, the censorship body under the state TV regulator, IRIB.

The silence from those involved including Satra, the series producer, and Filimo, reflects the fear of the severe repercussions which could result.

Since the revolution, Iran’s cultural sector has been controlled by the government, and artists have faced constant censorship, harassment, and even imprisonment.

Observers believe that in a society where the economy is crumbling, unemployment is rampant, and basic freedoms are denied, these attacks on artists are nothing more than distractions meant to appease hardliners.

The action has ignited a wave of backlash on social media, with many Iranians mocking the absurdity of the charges. One user sarcastically noted, “Soon, they’ll start punishing people for smiling in public. What’s next, a ban on laughter?” Others have pointed out the system’s “hypocrisy” in its claim to support "cultural development" while simultaneously stifling creativity and entertainment.

As the Islamic Republic continues its authoritarian rule, artists, women, and free-thinkers remain among its primary targets. But the people of Iran, particularly the younger generation, show no signs of giving up their fight for freedom, defying the efforts to control every aspect of their lives, from politics to culture and dress.