Six years later, Maedeh Hojabri's arrest remains a powerful symbol of artistic freedom and resistance across global social media.
Iranian Teen Arrested For Dance Video
Social media users have come in support of the young Iranian teenage dancer, Maedeh Hojabri, who got arrested for uploading dancing videos on Instagram.
A young woman from Tehran, who became a dancing sensation on Instagram, was arrested for uploading videos of herself dancing to the tunes of both Iranian and Western music.
The 19-year-old girl appeared in the videos without donning the obligatory Islamic headscarf. Her performances attracted thousands of followers.
She was arrested alongside other dancers and was forced to confess on state television.
Support From Across The World
Hojabri’s arrest led to an outcry of support from ordinary Iranians and other social media users, who posted videos of themselves dancing online, backing her.
A supporter uploaded a video of people dancing on the streets of London as she wrote, “We hit the #London pavement today, dancing in solidarity with #MaedehHojabri who has been sentenced to prison for dancing. Maedeh is one of so many brave Iranians fighting for their human rights. #DancingIsNotACrime, #Dance with us!”
We hit the #London pavement today, dancing in solidarity with #MaedehHojabri who has been sentenced to prison for dancing. Maedeh is one of so many brave Iranians fighting for their human rights. #DancingIsNotACrime, #برقص_تا_برقصیم. Dance with us!???? pic.twitter.com/DR2EyaOOt1
— Yasamin Alttahir (@YasaminAlttahir) July 9, 2018
Another supporter also uploaded a video of herself dancing and wrote, “Iranians post videos of themselves dancing to show solidarity with teenage dancer Maedeh Hojabri who was arrested for posting her dance videos on Instagram.”
Iranians post videos of themselves dancing to show solidarity with teenage dancer Maedeh Hojabri who was arrested for posting her dance videos on instagram. @NaeimehDoustdar pic.twitter.com/LmM6uruy2k
— Negar (@NegarMortazavi) July 9, 2018
Iranians post videos of themselves dancing to show solidarity with teenage dancer Maedeh Hojabri who was arrested for posting her dance videos on Instagram. @NaeimehDoustdar
این دوست قشنگ من از جاش بلند شده و برای #مائده_هژبری رقصیده. من ازش اجازه گرفتم که رقص قشنگش رو اینجا بذارم. #برقص_تا_برقصيم pic.twitter.com/J2gV8YPYNd
— Lily Anne (@DarkPasenger10B) July 8, 2018
” I dance in a public park in Tehran to support Maedeh the 19-year-old girl who got arrested,” wrote another supporter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Maedeh Hojabri and why was she arrested?
Maedeh Hojabri, a 19-year-old Iranian dancer from Tehran, was arrested in 2018 for uploading dance videos to Instagram where she performed without wearing a mandatory Islamic headscarf. Her videos violated Iran’s strict laws on female dress codes and public behavior.
What happened after Maedeh Hojabri’s arrest?
Following her arrest, she was forced to confess on state television. Her case sparked global outrage, with supporters from across the world, including London and other cities, posting dance videos online with the hashtag #DancingIsNotACrime in solidarity with her.
What does #DancingIsNotACrime mean in Iran’s context?
The hashtag emerged as a protest against Iran’s restrictive laws that criminalize women dancing publicly or posting dance content online without proper Islamic dress. It became a global movement symbolizing artistic freedom and women’s rights in countries with strict religious laws.
How did social media users support Maedeh Hojabri?
Supporters worldwide uploaded their own dance videos online in solidarity. Activists in London danced on streets, and social media users shared the #DancingIsNotACrime hashtag. The movement highlighted how ordinary people used social platforms to challenge government restrictions on freedom of expression.
Why does Maedeh Hojabri’s case matter globally?
Her arrest exemplifies how authoritarian regimes use laws to suppress women’s autonomy and artistic expression. The case resonated with Indian audiences and global communities fighting for women’s rights, making it a landmark moment in social media activism against oppressive governance.
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