Actors Emma Thompson, Penélope Cruz, Kate Winslet, Ian McKellen and directors Ken Loach, Pedro Almodóvar and Mike Leigh were among nearly 500 workers and industry personalities who signed an open letter demanding the release of the “The Salesman” star “.
“As members of the international art community we demand the immediate release of Academy Award-winning actress, mother and activist Taraneh Alidoosti, who was arrested on December 17, 2022 and has been taken into custody at Evin Prison, Iran. , where many other politicians are also imprisoned,” the letter says.
Alidoosti, 38, was arrested on Saturday, official media reported, after making a series of social media posts supporting the wave of protests, including removing her veil and condemning the execution of protesters.
The actress is the most prominent figure arrested by the regime in connection with the protest movement that has shaken Iran for three months. Lawyers, journalists and activists have also been detained.
“The Iranian authorities have strategically chosen to arrest Taraneh before Christmas to ensure that their international counterparts are distracted,” the letter continues.
“But we are not distracted. We are outraged. Taraneh Alidoosti, like all citizens of Iran, has the right to freedom of expression, freedom of association, and freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention. We hereby stand in solidarity with her and demand his immediate release and safe return to his family”.
The open letter comes after Asghar Farhadi, who directed Alidoosti in “The Traveler” (2016), wrote on Instagram to demand his release.
The actress appeared in two of Farhadi’s early films before gaining international acclaim, “Beautiful City” (2004) and “Fireworks Wednesday” (2006).
He was then in the 2009 film “About Elly,” which won him the Silver Bear for best director at the Berlin film festival.
“The Salesman” won an Oscar for best foreign language film in 2017.