Iranian model Mahlagha Jaberi chose to use her attendance to make a powerful statement against executions in Iran. According to a report by Iran Human Rights, the country witnessed over 500 executions in 2022, marking the highest rate in five years. According to Amnesty International, "The use of the death penalty increased and public executions resumed," in 2022. Amnesty International also stated, "Executions increased from the previous year and public executions resumed after a two-year hiatus. Jaberi's impactful statement at the Cannes Film Festival draws attention to the urgent need to address the troubling human rights situation in Iran.

Source: The Express Tribune May 30, 2023 15:06 UTC