Iranian model dons noose dress at Cannes to highlight executions

The attendees of the Cannes Film Festival have once again captured global attention due to their decision to use the platform to raise their voices for a cause. Iranian model Mahlagha Jaberi chose to use her attendance to make a powerful statement against executions in Iran.

Jaberi donned a striking black bodycon dress designed by Jila Sabre, featuring straps that resembled a noose around her neck, and a bold statement written on the lower part of the outfit. The red carpet moment drew headlines as her dress displayed the quote "Stop executions." Jaberi shared a video montage of herself wearing the outfit, dedicated to the people of Iran and expressed her gratitude to the designer, videographer, and her manager for making it possible.

Furthermore, the model also shared images of her in the dress. While thanking her team, Jaberi wrote in her caption, "We wanted to make a fashion statement to observe the glamour of Cannes, but more importantly, to bring media attention to the wrongful executions of Iranian people. Unfortunately, political statements are not allowed at the film festival and the security stopped me from showing the back of my dress, but the 'noose' meaning was well understood."

The model's intention was to shed light on the alarming surge in executions in Iran this year, a grave concern for human rights advocates worldwide. According to a report by Iran Human Rights, the country witnessed over 500 executions in 2022, marking the highest rate in five years.

In 2021, at least 333 people were executed in Iran, with official sources announcing only 16.5% of these cases. Shockingly, 83.5% of all executions (278 in total) were not disclosed by the authorities. The report indicated that 55% of the executions were for murder charges, while 38% were related to drug offences, a significant increase compared to the previous year. Notably, none of the drug-related executions were reported by official sources.

According to Amnesty International, "The use of the death penalty increased and public executions resumed," in 2022. Furthermore, the official website states "Two young men were arbitrarily executed in relation to the nationwide uprising after sham trials and without advance notice to their families, while scores of others were under the sentence of death or remained on trial for overly broad capital charges."

Amnesty International also stated, "Executions increased from the previous year and public executions resumed after a two-year hiatus. The authorities used the death penalty as a tool of political repression against protesters, dissidents and ethnic minorities. The oppressed Baluchi minority made up a disproportionate number of those executed. Several people were executed for offences that occurred when they were children; scores of others who were below 18 years of age at the time of the crime remained on death row."

As far as impunity was concerned, the organisation reported, "No public official was investigated or held accountable for extrajudicial executions and other unlawful killings, torture, enforced disappearance and other grave human rights violations committed in 2022 or previous years. "

Jaberi's impactful statement at the Cannes Film Festival draws attention to the urgent need to address the troubling human rights situation in Iran. The model's courageous act resonated with campaigners and concerned individuals worldwide, amplifying the call to end executions in the country and uphold the principles of human rights.

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