A stallholder in northern Iran, who became a viral Internet sensation by showcasing unexpectedly dexterous dance moves, has encountered issues with the Islamic Republic Authorities, who disapprove of public dancing. The man, reportedly around 70, garnered tens of thousands of followers on Instagram, featuring videos of him dancing at the market in the northern city of Rasht near the Caspian Sea.
As the white-haired man, identified as Sadegh Bagheri and known to followers as “Sadegh Booghi,” showcased his moves amid the unlikely surroundings of fresh fish stalls, spectators cheered and clapped. However, Iranian authorities blocked his Instagram account, along with other accounts that had promoted his videos, as reported by media outside Iran, including Iran Wire and Iran International.
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A warning reportedly appeared on the accounts, stating they contained “criminal content.” Although reports suggested that the man and a dozen influencers promoting the video were arrested, the Iranian authorities have denied these claims. The ISNA news agency, quoting the public relations department of the police in the northern Gilan province, described the reports of arrests and sealing of shops as “false.”
Without providing details, it added, “People who violated norms in cyberspace were warned within the framework of the law.” Since the closure of his Instagram account, videos, said to have been shot inside Iran, have multiplied, featuring men and women mimicking his dance moves in solidarity.
In some videos, women are seen dancing bareheaded, defying the obligation to wear the hijab and the prohibition on public dancing for women. The New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran reported, “A group of women and girls in Iran filmed a video of themselves dancing in solidarity with ‘Sadegh Booghi’… whose Instagram page was shut down by authorities,” adding that he had around 128,000 followers.
Authorities in Iran are highly sensitive to any such social movement, particularly following the protests that began in September 2022 over the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for allegedly violating Iran’s strict dress code for women.
Miroslava Salazar, with AFP
