Political Conscience and Social Activism
While Hengameh Ghaziani’s artistic talents have earned her numerous accolades, it is her political conscience that has elevated her to the status of a symbol of resistance among many Iranians. Her activism became especially visible during the nationwide protests that erupted in Iran in the fall of 2022 (1401 in the Iranian calendar), following the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of Iran’s morality police. These protests, often referred to as the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement, were spearheaded by women and quickly evolved into a broad-based call for democratic change.
On November 18, 2023, Ghaziani posted a powerful video on Instagram, removing her compulsory hijab in public and declaring, “I will stand by the Iranian people until my last breath.” This act of defiance came at a moment when many Iranian artists remained silent, either out of fear or loyalty to the regime. Ghaziani’s public stand resonated deeply with protestors and was widely shared on social media. Her message directly addressed the ruling authorities, condemning their violent response to dissent. In particular, she mourned the deaths of Kian Pirfalak, a 10-year-old boy, and Sepehr Maghsoudi, a 14-year-old teen, both killed in Izeh by security forces. Her searing message labeled the regime as “infanticidal,” a term that captured the raw grief and rage of a nation in mourning.
Arrest and Legal Consequences
The Iranian state did not take kindly to Ghaziani’s activism. On November 19, 2023, she was arrested by the security apparatus on a judicial order. The state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported that she was detained on charges of “communication with hostile and counter-revolutionary media.” Although vague, such charges often precede heavy legal penalties, including imprisonment or extended court proceedings designed to silence dissenting voices.
Her arrest drew condemnation from artists, activists, and ordinary citizens. Following her detention, Leila Naqdipari, a prominent set and costume designer in Iranian cinema, released a statement on Instagram opposing the compulsory hijab and expressing solidarity with Ghaziani. Others followed suit, using social media to amplify her message and challenge the state’s attempt to suppress public figures.