Tehran police detain several prominent actors at birthday party

Iran International learned that actors Parsa Pirouzfar and Ali Shadman, and actresses Setareh Pesyani and Sahar Dowlatshahi were among more than 20 guests detained.

Shadman and Pesyani remain in custody, with cases opened in Tehran’s Ershad (morality) prosecutor’s office against Shadman and six others on charges including “violating public decency, promoting vice, drinking alcohol, and possession of alcoholic beverages,” according to people familiar with the matter.

Sources said Pirouzfar was taken to hospital after the raid.

Several detainees were released later on undertakings or bail, while separate files were opened for other guests, many from the theater community.

There was no immediate comment from Tehran police or the judiciary on the reported detentions.

Alcohol is banned in Iran and violations carry fines, lashings or prison, with stiffer penalties for production and distribution. The prohibition dates to 1979, but homemade brewing and smuggling have created a steady underground supply. Rights groups and health officials report periodic mass poisonings from counterfeit liquor.

Despite the ban, discreet drinking has edged into some public venues. Iranian and state‐affiliated outlets have acknowledged “secret menus” at a handful of restaurants and cafés, where beer or spirits are served under code names or in disguised containers.

Prosecutors and police regularly announce raids and closures for serving alcohol, mixed-gender dancing or hijab violations, part of wider morality crackdowns.

Authorities have stepped up enforcement over the past two years, sealing cafés in Tehran and other cities and publicizing arrests.

Officials say tougher action is needed to deter bootlegging and to uphold Islamic codes. Critics counter that decades of prohibition have pushed consumption into riskier, unregulated channels.