Iran frees actor Taraneh Alidoosti after 18 days amid anti-hijab protests

Iran Anti Hijab Protests: Taraneh Alidoosti was arrested last year after she criticised the execution of a man involved in the massive demonstrations.

Iranian authorities released actor Taraneh Alidoosti after keeping her in jail for more than two weeks, CNN reported citing state-aligned ISNA, amid nationwide anti-hijab protests.

Iran Anti Hijab Protests: Iranian actor Taraneh Alidoosti is welcomed by friends after her release. (Reuters)

Taraneh Alidoosti was arrested last year after she criticised the execution of a man involved in the massive demonstrations that have rocked the country since September. The actor condemned the hanging of Mohsen Shekari, one of the first known executions linked to the protests.

Taraneh Alidoosti's lawyer said that she was released on bail. Following her release, photos of her holding flowers with supporters were widely shared on social media. Taraneh Alidoosti, who starred in the 2016 Oscar-winning film "The Salesman", is known for her outspoken activism in the MeToo movement in Iran and was one of several famous celebrities to express support for the protests in the country.

Earlier, 'Avengers' star Mark Ruffalo had shared a photo which stated that over 600 artists worldwide signed a petition demanding the release of Taraneh Alidoosti.

“Over 600 artists worldwide have signed an open letter calling for the release of award-winning actor and writer Taraneh Alidoosti. We demand her freedom. Join us. Petition link below,” Mark Ruffalo wrote on Twitter.

Taraneh Alidoosti had also shared a photo of herself on Instagram without the hijab while holding a sign that read "Women, Life, Freedom" expressing her support for the protests.

In another post, she had said, “Your silence means supporting tyranny and tyrants.”

"Every international organization who is watching this bloodshed and not taking action, is a disgrace to humanity," she added.