Washington, DC – Demonstrations were held in Washington, DC on February 10, 2024, marking the 45th anniversary of the Iranian revolution. During the march, a demonstrator was seen wearing face paint and a faux noose to protest recent executions carried out by the Islamic regime in Iran. The individual was making a bold statement against the oppressive actions of the Iranian government.
The incident is just one example of the lengths to which the Tehran mullahs will go to silence dissent and maintain control over every aspect of life in Iran. This oppressive behavior was further exemplified when a 33-year-old Iranian hip-hop artist, Toomaj Salehi, was arrested on October 30, 2022, for the crime of creating music that criticized the regime.
Salehi’s arrest came after he released music with lyrics that alluded to the murder of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman killed by the Iranian government in 2022 for improper hijab wearing. The artist faced charges such as “corruption on earth,” “spreading propaganda,” and “incitement to violence,” all stemming from his creative expression.
Despite being held in detention for over a year, Salehi was eventually released after serving a six-year sentence. However, his freedom was short-lived, as he was rearrested just 12 days later. The cycle of oppression and arbitrary detention against those who advocate for democracy and human rights continues in Iran, with Salehi and many others becoming targets of the regime’s crackdown.
In a similar vein, another Iranian pop star, Shervin Hajipour, faced persecution for his music that highlighted the protests and activism in the country. Accused of spreading propaganda and inciting violence, Hajipour was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison. The regime’s attempts to silence dissent through arrests and intimidation tactics have only further fueled the resistance movements within Iran.
As these artists continue to face the wrath of the Iranian government for their creative expressions, the world witnesses the ongoing battle for freedom of speech and human rights in the country. The struggles of Salehi, Hajipour, and many others serve as a stark reminder of the oppressive tactics employed by the Iranian regime to suppress any form of dissent or activism. Despite the risks, these individuals continue to use their art as a tool for resistance, inspiring others to speak out against injustice.