Iran Models defy authorities with powerful statement: ‘Stop Execution’

The Cannes Film Festival has once again captured global attention, this time due to the protest of an Iranian model against the executions taking place in Iran. Mahlagha Jaberi, following in the footsteps of a woman who dressed in the colors of the Ukrainian flag at the festival, made a bold statement by wearing a black bodycon dress with straps resembling a noose around her neck. The dress featured a strong statement written on the lower part, reading “Stop execution.” The outfit was designed by Jila Sabre.
Jaberi walked the red carpet and attracted significant media attention with her powerful message. She shared a video montage of herself wearing the outfit along with the statement “Stop execution.” In her caption, she dedicated the video to the people of Iran and credited the dress design to Jila Atelier and the videographer Joystrotz. She also expressed gratitude to her manager, Myhanh of Mahlagha Management, for making it all possible.
The model aimed to draw attention to the increasing number of executions in Iran this year, which has raised concerns among human rights campaigners worldwide. According to a report released by Iran Human Rights, more than 500 people have been executed in Iran in 2022, marking the highest rate in five years. In 2021, at least 333 executions took place in Iran, as reported by Iran Human Rights. Shockingly, official sources only announced 55 of these executions, while the remaining 278 were undisclosed by the authorities. The report highlighted that 55% of the executions were for murder charges, while 38% were for drug-related offenses. In May, two individuals convicted of blasphemy, Yusef Mehrdad and Sadrullah Fazeli Zare, were executed by hanging.