Iranian Model Wears Noose At Cannes To Protest Executions. Internet Divided

Iranian model Mahlagha Jaberi wore a dress with a 'noose' as a part of it to protest against the executions in Iran. The attempt has been praised by some while others have gone critical of it.

Mahlagha Jaberi, an Iranian-born model has now divided the internet after she wore the dress to raise awareness for a string of executions in Iran. The 33-year-old model also shared her video on Instagram that she “dedicated to the people of Iran” after making an appearance at the Cannes Film Festival. She shared the video with the hashtag, “#StopExecutionsInIran,” New York Post reported. ‘Stop Execution' was written on her dress.

Notably, as per the NYP report, Iran has executed multiple citizens by hangings in recent weeks. The country has carried out at least 90 executions in the last 18 days, marking May as the “bloodiest month” in the nation over the last five years, according to the Norway-based Iran Human Rights group. 

This comes even after the Biden administration and an admonition “not carry out these executions.”  

Meanwhile, Jaberi’s video and outfit is going viral online, with journalists and government officials either praising or criticising the model for her protest video.  

After receiving backlash online, Jaberi posted a statement to her Instagram account to bring some clarity about her fashion choice. 

 “76th Cannes Film Festival 2nd look,” she wrote. “My dress designed by @jilaatelier. 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.” 

NYP mentioned that leftist journalist Yashar Ali criticised Jaberi for the video, which he called “disgraceful.” 

"As innocent Iranians are being executed, @MahlaghaJaberi thought it would be a good idea to wear a dress that has a noose sown into it and then film a seductive video using a song that has become an anthem for protestors. Absolutely disgraceful all around. And then to end the video with ‘stop executions and no other context or information makes it unhelpful!" he added. 

Advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Anton Gerashchenko, wrote that Jaberi’s dress was a sign that she was “brave.” Others said they “stand” with her, the NYP report mentioned. Notably, it said that more than 200 people were executed in Iran this year alone.   

The development comes after a woman dressed in the Ukrainian flag marched on Cannes Red Carpet protesting against sexual violence amid the war with Russia. She put red colour to show blood on herself and was removed later.