Cannes 2023: Iranian Model Stages Protest Against Executions Through Controversial Outfit

The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most prestigious and internationally renowned film festivals in the world, However, over the years the has also gained prominence for its glamour and the presence of international film stars on the red carpet.

This year too the red carpet saw some head-turning fashion moments. From the Indian fraternity showcasing their desi attires to artists using the platform to put forth a political statement. A similar instance occurred when on Friday Iranian-born model Mahlagha Jaberi made a strong political statement against mass executions in Iran.

Iranian model Cannes outfit

Jaberi walked the red carpet of the international film festival wearing a dress that might attract the world's attention to the worrisome situation in Iran.

She was dressed in a black bodycon dress. But it was the collar of the garment that caught everyone’s attention; it was a beige rope connected to her outfit in the form of a noose. Jaberi uploaded a video montage of herself wearing the outfit along with the statement, “Stop execution.” Her caption revealed that Jila Sabre has designed her outfit.

Iran has been witnessing a surge of protests following the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who was detained by morality police in Tehran in September 2022 for allegedly wearing her hijab "improperly".

According to BBC, executions in Iran rose by 75% in 2022, with at least 582 people put to death as authorities sought to "spread fear" among protesters, campaign groups say. The figure was the highest since 2015, according to Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) and France's Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM).

Cannes 2023 red carpet also witnessed another demonstration when a woman dressed in the colours of the Ukrainian flag staged a protest on the steps of the Palais des Festivals. The protester poured fake blood on herself during the screening of the film 'Acide' by French film director Just Philippot, before being removed by security staff.

Suggested Reading: How The Red Carpet, Now 100 Years Old, Is Giving Voice To Women’s Movements