Iranian actress jailed for supporting protests is released

• In an Instagram post in November, Alidoosti posted a photo of herself without wearing the mandatory hijab and holding a sign with the protesters' slogan of "woman, life, freedom" written in Kurdish.
• In another Instagram post before her account was disabled, Alidoosti expressed solidarity with Mohsen Shekari, who was executed by the authorities on Dec. 8 in the first known execution in response to the protests.
• "His name was Mohsen Shekari,” Alidoosti wrote, AP reported. “Every international organization who is watching this bloodshed and not taking action, is a disgrace to humanity.”

The big picture: The protests began in mid-September in response to the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in the custody of Iranian authorities, prompting some of the largest anti-government protests in years.

• Alidoosti was initially arrested for “lack of evidence for her claims” in connection to her post about Shekari, per CNN.
• “Today, my client Ms Taraneh Alidoosti will be released from Evin prison after posting bail," her attorney, Zahra Minooei, wrote on Twitter, the Guardian reported.

• Iranian media reports did not specify whether Alidoosti has been charged with a crime or whether she will have to stand trial, AP reported.
• Iranian authorities have arrested celebrities who have supported the protests, including fellow actresses Hengameh Ghaziani and Katayoun Riahi.

State of play: Photos circulated on social media Wednesday of Alidoosti posing in front of Iran's notorious Evin prison, holding a bouquet of flowers and surrounded by supporters.

• At least 516 protesters have been killed and more than 19,000 arrested, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency.
• Nearly 600 international actors, directors and other artists had signed an open letter calling for Alidoosti's release.