Tehran – A young Iranian couple, Astiaj Haghighi, 21, and Amir Mohammad Ahmadi, 22, have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms following the posting of a video showing them dancing in public, a case that has drawn international condemnation and highlights the ongoing restrictions on personal freedoms in Iran. The couple, both Instagram influencers with nearly one million followers each, were sentenced to 10 years and 6 months in prison, according to the Washington Post reported Wednesday. This sentencing comes amid a broader crackdown on dissent following widespread protests in the country.
The initial arrest of Haghighi and Ahmadi occurred on November 1, 2022, shortly after they posted a clip of themselves dancing near Tehran’s Azadi Tower, also known as the Freedom Tower. The video quickly circulated on social media, prompting a swift response from Iranian authorities. While initial reports suggested a 10-year sentence, Iranian state media, Mizan, disputed this length, claiming the couple received a five-year prison sentence for publishing “a call for protests,” as reported by Reuters. Yet, the Washington Post reported the longer sentence, citing charges of “promotion of impurity and indecency, assembly and collusion against national security, and propaganda against the regime.”
From Dance Video to National Security Charges
The case has sparked outrage among human rights advocates who view the sentencing as a clear example of the Iranian government’s suppression of freedom of expression. The BBC confirmed the couple’s arrest stemmed from the social media post. However, Mizan, the state media outlet, claimed the couple were not arrested for dancing itself, but for allegedly stoking resistance efforts through their Instagram posts, “encouraging people to riot against the country and subversion,” according to CBS News. Mizan further stated that Haghighi and Ahmadi had “published a call for a rally on November 4 and called for riots on their Instagram pages,” using their platform to advertise calls for protest.
Beyond the prison sentence, the couple has been banned from leaving Iran and from using social media for two years. Their Instagram profiles remain public, but have not been updated since September 2022, with Haghighi’s last post on September 28, 2022, and Ahmadi’s at the beginning of September.
A Broader Crackdown Following Mahsa Amini’s Death
The sentencing of Haghighi and Ahmadi is not an isolated incident. It occurs against the backdrop of widespread protests that erupted in Iran last year following the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in the custody of Iran’s morality police after being arrested for allegedly violating hijab rules. BuzzFeed News detailed the widespread protests sparked by Amini’s death, which quickly evolved into a broader challenge to the country’s theocratic rule.
In response, Iranian authorities have launched a severe crackdown on dissent, arresting numerous individuals, including public figures who have voiced opposition to the government’s actions. Prominent actor Taraneh Alidoosti and celebrity chef Navab Ebrahimi are among those who have been arrested, as reported by BuzzFeed News and The Guardian, respectively. Haghighi herself had expressed support for Amini in a September Instagram post, writing, “Hoping tomorrow will be a better tomorrow. Let’s hold each other’s hands and support each other. We are all Iranians and we demand to help each other.”
Holly Dagres @hdagres
An Iranian court sentenced Amir Ahmadi and Astiaj Haghighi to 10.5 years in prison each for publishing this video of them dancing next to Tehran’s Azadi Square. Their families are reportedly under pressure not to talk about their arrest. https://t.co/JuP3qr8ukf https://twitter.com/hdagres/status/1619444848866119680
12:08 PM – Jan 30, 2023
The Impact on Iranian Social Media Influencers
The case of Haghighi and Ahmadi underscores the risks faced by Iranian social media influencers who navigate the country’s strict social and political landscape. As popular figures with a significant online following, they had become visible symbols of a younger generation seeking greater freedoms. Their arrest and sentencing send a chilling message to others who might consider using social media to express dissent or challenge the established order. The couple’s situation highlights the increasing pressure on Iranian citizens to conform to the government’s conservative values and the severe consequences for those who deviate.
The Iranian government’s actions have drawn criticism from international organizations and governments, who have called for the immediate release of Haghighi and Ahmadi and an end to the crackdown on dissent. The United States State Department, for example, has condemned the sentencing as “unjust” and a violation of human rights.
As of February 22, 2026, there have been no further updates regarding appeals or potential reviews of the couple’s sentence. The next step in the legal process remains unclear, and the families of Haghighi and Ahmadi have reportedly been pressured not to speak publicly about the case. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, advocating for their release and for greater respect for human rights in Iran.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
