Leaked documents reveal Iranian regime spying on celebrities participating in protests
Iranian authorities formed a “secret” committee last year to monitor celebrities who supported the massive anti-hijab protests that erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini, the BBC reported, citing leaked documents.
Monitoring of Celebrity
In a letter dated 22 September last year, the committee sent a list of 141 well-known figures to the Ministry of Economy, asking them to investigate their tax returns, a well-coordinated action against celebrities who had taken part in nationwide protests.
According to the BBC, demonstrations began across Iran after the death of Iranian Kurd Mahsa Amini, 22, who was detained by the controversial morality police for wearing “inappropriate” clothes and not wearing a veil properly. The death of Mahsa Amini in custody later led to massive months-long protests in which hundreds of protesters were killed.
The people on the Iranian regime’s radar, including sports legend Ali Daei and senior actress Taraneh Alidoosti, earlier this month, said Iranian police would start using “smart” technology in public places to crack down on women who defy the province’s strict dress code, the BBC reported.
Local media reported that Iran also accused prominent actors – Katayoun Riahi and Banti Bahram – of publishing pictures of them without a veil, weeks after announcing a crackdown on the abuses.
