Star actor Taraneh Alidoosti was detained by Iranian authorities for almost three weeks due to her support for the protest movement, but she was released on bond on Wednesday, according to her lawyer.
Alidoosti is one of the most well-known actors in Iranian cinema, gaining recognition abroad for his roles in Asghar Farhadi’s critically praised films, including the Oscar-winning “The Salesman” from 2016.
The film industry had expressed outrage about her detention, which increased worries about the government’s response to more than three months of protests, which had resulted in thousands of arrests.
“My client was released on bail today (Wednesday),” lawyer Zahra Minooee told the ISNA news agency.
She was seen leaving Tehran’s Evin jail with flowers while strolling free, in apparent disobedience of Iran’s rigorous clothing codes, according to images released by Iranian media, including the Shargh newspaper. She was also not wearing an Islamic hijab.
The pictures showed that she was greeted by prominent members of the Iranian film industry who were still present in the nation, including the filmmakers Mani Haghighi and Saeed Roustayi.
She was seen sticking out her tongue and giving the victory sign in other photos of her being driven away in a car.
“Iranian actress Taraneh Alidoosti released after three weeks in detention: what joy and relief!” tweeted the Cannes Film Festival. “Let’s stay involved!” it added.
