Tehran //A popular Iranian actress has found herself at the centre of a dispute over feminism in the Islamic republic after cameras appeared to capture a “women power” symbol tattooed on her arm.
Taraneh Alidoosti’s tattoo was seen sneaking from under her sleeve this week as she addressed reporters after returning from the Cannes Film Festival, where her latest film The Salesman won two awards.
The images sparked intrigue and intense debate on Iran’s colourful social media scene.
Some media claimed the pictures were fake while some online commentators accused her of advocating feminism – which is viewed negatively among hardline conservatives in Iran.
Others said she was promoting the right for women to have abortions, which are illegal in the Islamic republic.
Alidoosti, 32, explained on Twitter the meaning of the “Feminist Fist” symbol, reminding fans in another update that she had previously explained that she viewed feminism as being about “showing unity and fairness”.
“Keep calm and YES I’m a feminist,” she said in a series of tweets on Tuesday night. “Feminist: a person who believes in the social, political, and economical equality of the sexes.”
One follower @RaminRamroodi replied “Keep calm and You will be in Evin Prison Tomorrow” – referencing the notorious Tehran jail – to which Alidoosti replied with several smiley faces.
Tattoos were traditionally common among Iranian men, but modern ink designs are more frowned upon as signs of immorality and Westernisation.
Several famous football players have been summoned to Iran’s sports morality committee for showing their tattoos.
Alidoosti’s Instagram is one of the most popular Iranian accounts on the photo-sharing app, with 2.6 million followers.
Last year she responded to a spam message for vacuum cleaners that said the products were “only for women”.
“Those who think of a vacuum cleaner as designed only for women... insult not only women but all the men... who don’t see their own kind as their waitresses,” she posted on her account.
The tattoo controversy comes after frenzied coverage of the way Alidoosti was dressed on the red carpet in France.
In a rare move, Iranian media published pictures of her different outfits at Cannes, drawing tens of thousands of responses from social media users weighing in on beauty, fashion and adherence to Islamic dress codes for women.
Alidoosti is married and has a young daughter.
*Agence France-Presse
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Dir: Ryan Coogler
Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o
Five stars
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Power: 220 and 280 horsepower
Torque: 350 and 360Nm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
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On sale: now
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Stars: Alexander Molony, Ever Anderson, Joshua Pickering
Rating: 3/5
MATCH INFO
Tottenham Hotspur 3 (Son 1', Kane 8' & 16') West Ham United 3 (Balbuena 82', Sanchez og 85', Lanzini 90'+4)
Man of the match Harry Kane
How champions are made
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7am - Protein shake with oats and fruits
10am - 5-6 egg whites
1pm - White rice or chapati (Indian bread) with chicken
4pm - Dry fruits
7.30pm - Pre workout meal – grilled fish or chicken with veggies and fruits
8.30pm to midnight workout
12.30am – Protein shake
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Stats: Biceps 19 inches. Forearms 18 inches
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- Always check the weather forecast before setting off
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Al Wasl 1 (Caio Canedo 90+1')
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Barcelona v Real Madrid
Semi-final, first leg
Wednesday (midnight UAE)
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Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
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Fuel economy, combined: 6.7L / 100km
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Women’s race:
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2. Ruti Aga (ETH) 2:18:09
3. Dera Dida (ETH) 2:19:29
Men's race:
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What: Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
When: Friday until March 9
Where: All main sessions are held in the InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Price: Sessions range from free entry to Dh125 tickets, with the exception of special events.
Hot Tip: If waiting for your book to be signed looks like it will be timeconsuming, ask the festival’s bookstore if they have pre-signed copies of the book you’re looking for. They should have a bunch from some of the festival’s biggest guest authors.
Information: www.emirateslitfest.com
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Expo details
Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia
The world fair will run for six months from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021.
It is expected to attract 25 million visits
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More than 30,000 volunteers are required for Expo 2020
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1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes - 263
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari - 235
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes - 212
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