Tehran (Showbiz Desk) — Iranian actress Elnaz Shakerdoost has reportedly been sentenced to one year in prison for expressing support for people who were killed during anti-government protests.
According to the US-based human rights organization HRANA and independent media outlet Emtiad, an appeal filed against the actress’s sentence has also been rejected. The information emerged after they spoke with her lawyer.
According to reports, in addition to the prison sentence, Elnaz Shakerdoost has also been banned from participating in political, artistic and online activities for two years. She has been accused of allegedly engaging in propaganda activities against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The actress, who has appeared in numerous films during a two-decade-long film career, said in February that she would not act in Iran again after thousands of people were killed during nationwide protests.
In a social media post, Elnaz Shakerdoost said she was mourning her loved ones and therefore would not participate in any celebrations or portray roles again in a land where she could smell the scent of blood.
No clear information is available about the actress’s current situation or whereabouts. A friend of hers in Paris, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that Elnaz Shakerdoost is not currently in prison. However, the friend could not confirm whether the actress is in Iran or abroad.
According to reports, Iranian authorities launched a harsh crackdown on nationwide protests that began in January over inflation and rising daily living costs. Human rights organizations have put the death toll at tens of thousands, while the Iranian government has acknowledged more than 3,000 deaths and blamed the protesters’ actions as well as alleged planning by the United States and Israel.