An Iranian Instagram influencer who went viral for posting spooky photos of herself resembling Hollywood star Angelina Jolie has been arrested on blasphemy charges, according to local news reports.
Sahar Tabar was detained over charges of “cultural crimes and social and moral corruption,” reports The National, quoting semi-official Tasnim news agency.
Sahar gained notoriety a couple of years back when she claimed to have altered her face through cosmetic surgery to resemble an impoverished version of Angelina. Later however, she confessed to a Russian news outlet that her pics were mostly make-up and Photoshop.
“This is Photoshop and make-up. Every time I publish a photo, I paint my face in an increasingly funny way. It is a way of expressing yourself, a kind of art. My fans know that this is not my real face. Over time I post a photo, I make my face more fun and funny, it is a form of self-expression, a kind of art.”Sahar Tabar
Her Instagram has since been taken down but the pictures are still available on unofficial accounts.
"She faces charges including blasphemy, inciting violence, gaining income through inappropriate means and encouraging youths to corruption," the report added.
Instagram is the only social media platform allowed in Iran while all other popular platforms like Facebook and Twitter are banned.
(With Inputs From: News.com.au)