
Iranian Women Are Being Arrested For Dancing Online
Jul 10, 2018
A 17-year-old Iranian gymnast and Instagram influencer is one of the four women arrested for indecency in the past week for posting videos of herself dancing without her hair covered.
Related | 5 Muslim Artists to Follow for Muslim Women's Day
Women and activists in Iran are banding together under the hashtag #dancing_isn't_a_crime in support of Maedeh Hojabri, the only woman whose identity has been released (she appeared on State television in tears during what is widely considered to be a forced confession). Instagram is reportedly one of the few social media sites that aren't as heavily censored by the nation's cyber laws, and thus a platform Iranian women have taken to to express themselves.
Hojabri claimed in her statement that dancing wasn't her career, and she wasn't trying to inspire others to follow her path: "It wasn't for attracting attention, I had some followers and these videos were for them. I did not have any intention to encourage others doing the same. I didn't work with a team, I received no training. I only do gymnastics."
This is the latest in a series of severe consequences for those participating in joyful activities: in 2014 a group of Iranians recording themselves dancing to Pharrell's viral hit "Happy," were sentenced to 91 lashes and six months in jail. Amnesty International reportedly condemned the arrest.
"If you tell people anywhere in the world that 17 and 18-year-old girls are arrested for their dance, happiness and beauty on charges of spreading indecency, while child rapists and others are free, they will laugh!" One activist responded to Hojabri's story. "Because for them, it's unbelievable!"
Photo via Instagram
MORE ON PAPER
Music
Yungblud Reclaims Rock Stardom
Story by Georgia Evans / Photography by Ellen von Unwerth / Styling by Mike Adler / Grooming by Luca Tullio / Set design by Caylah Jean
Story by Georgia Evans / Photography by Ellen von Unwerth / Styling by Mike Adler / Grooming by Luca Tullio / Set design by Caylah Jean
02 July
Music
Reneé Rapp Trusts Herself
Story by Erica Campbell / Photography by Yasmine Diba / Styling by Valeria Semushina / Makeup by Loren Canby / Hair by Marissa Marino / Nails by Anna Wesolowska / Set design by Kelly Infield
Story by Erica Campbell / Photography by Yasmine Diba / Styling by Valeria Semushina / Makeup by Loren Canby / Hair by Marissa Marino / Nails by Anna Wesolowska / Set design by Kelly Infield
26 June
Film/TV
'Overcompensating' Hits Where It Heals
Story by Joan Summers / Photography by Kenyon Anderson / Styling by Marissa Pelly / Set design by Liz Mydlowski / Makeup by Rommy Najor, Mollie Gloss / Hair by Akihisa Yamaguchi, Sergio Estrada / Grooming by Kennedy Trisler
Story by Joan Summers / Photography by Kenyon Anderson / Styling by Marissa Pelly / Set design by Liz Mydlowski / Makeup by Rommy Najor, Mollie Gloss / Hair by Akihisa Yamaguchi, Sergio Estrada / Grooming by Kennedy Trisler
05 June
Entertainment
The 2025 Tonys: 'Give It Everything Or Die Trying'
Story by Michael Musto / Photography by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders / Jewelry by Alexis Bittar
Story by Michael Musto / Photography by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders / Jewelry by Alexis Bittar
05 June
Film/TV
Coolest Person in the Room: Stephanie Suganami
Story by Andrew Nguyen / Photography by Diego Villagra Motta / Styling by Angelina Cantú / Hair by Stefano Greco / Makeup by STOJ
Story by Andrew Nguyen / Photography by Diego Villagra Motta / Styling by Angelina Cantú / Hair by Stefano Greco / Makeup by STOJ
30 May