Women all over the world are cutting their hair in protest over the death of Mahsa Amini in Tehran – now also a famous cartoon character.
With graffiti in front of the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Milan, Italian street artist Alexsandro Palombo showed his solidarity with the protests against the brutal actions of the Iranian security forces. On Wednesday morning, passersby saw a photo on the consulate wall showing cartoon character Marge Simpson holding scissors in one hand and her blue-haired head in the other.
READ MORE: Two young women beaten to death by Iranian police
With the graffiti, he wants to “celebrate the courage of Iranian women and honor Mahsa Amini,” Palombo told Italian newspaper Il Giorno. Mahsa, 22, was arrested by deputy squads in Tehran on Sept. 13, apparently for failing to wear the Islamic headscarf according to the rules. After her arrest, Amini collapsed at the police station under unclear circumstances and was pronounced dead in hospital three days later.
“For Liberty” – French actresses join the protest
The veil requirement was introduced in Iran in 1979 by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomenei, and since 2021, even female cartoon characters broadcast on Iranian television are required to wear the hijab. The Simpsons were banned by the Iranian government in 2012 because the regime believed they “spoiled the morale of Iranian youth”. “If Marge Simpson is banned from entering Iran, there will be nothing to stop her from expressing her disapproval of the regime in front of the Iranian consulate,” says artist Palombo.
In France, around 50 famous actresses and singers also cut their hair, according to a protest video on the brazilian Instagram account bra. Oscar winner Juliette Binoche says “for freedom”, cuts off a tuft of hair and holds it for the camera. In the video, Marion Cotillard, Charlotte Rampling and Charlotte Gainsbourg do the same. Gainsbourg is shown cutting the hair of her mother, singer Jane Birkin.
“The Iranian people, especially the women, are demonstrating at the risk of their lives. These people only expect access to the most basic freedoms. These women, these men are asking for our support,” reads an accompanying text. “It is impossible not to repeatedly denounce this terrible oppression. The number of dead and injured is now in the dozens, including children. Prisons only add to the number of prisoners already held illegally and often tortured.
Time of 20 minutes of the navigation account06.10.2022, 06:59| Act: 10.06.2022, 06:59