2 Iranian Actresses Are Arrested on Protest Charges
New York TimesNov 24, 2022
The Facts
On Monday, Iranian chess player Sara Khadem became the latest woman from the country to compete in an international competition without wearing her hijab. The headscarf is required under the strict dress code of the Islamic Republic.
Other athletes to have competed without hijabs include climber Elnaz Rekabi, who competed in South Korea in October, and archer Parmida Ghasemi, who removed her hijab during an awards ceremony in Tehran in November. Both athletes later stated they were unaware that the headscarves had fallen off, though it's unclear if those statements were made under duress.
The Spin
Anti-Iran narrative
Democratic leaders are right to show their disdain for the cruel and brutish regime that has no qualms about executing its own people. Though long overdue, the international community is finally taking a stance against the severe human rights violations committed by Tehran; the days of turning a blind are over.
Pro-Iran narrative
While Iran is obviously facing significant challenges, the US and Israel are also to blame for stoking this unrest. Western influence has brought about many challenges since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, and the republic is determined to focus on reducing the problems facing the Iranian people and showing its enemies that their meddling campaigns are both useless and hopeless.
Narrative C
The death of Mahsa Amini was the final straw for many Iranian women that have faced decades of systemic oppression regarding what they can wear or say. Such oppression doesn't just impact women, but the potential talent and abilities of the whole country. What makes this protest different is that alongside these fearless women are Iranian men, showing the unprecedented support behind the movement.
