American PEN Association Protests Imprisonment and Whipping Sentence for Mahdi Yarahy

The American PEN Association issued a statement protesting the prison and whipping sentence handed down to Iranian singer Mahdi Yarahy. In the statement published on Thursday, January 11, it referred to Yarahy's song "Rusaritow" which was released in support of the "Women, Life, Freedom" movement and in protest against the mandatory hijab law in Iran, calling on the Islamic Republic to drop all charges against him. When releasing this song, Yarahy stated that he dedicates it to "the noble women of my homeland who shine on the front lines." The American PEN Association stated: "It is hard to understand a government that feels so threatened by a song that it condemns a beloved musician to a harsh sentence of two years in prison and 74 lashes. Unfortunately, this is not surprising in today’s Iran." The statement, drafted by the group "Artists at Risk" (ARC), continued: "The disproportionate conviction of Mahdi Yarahy is another testament to the power of art; as the authorities of the Islamic Republic continue to harass and persecute artists, musicians, filmmakers, and writers who fearlessly criticize the government’s attacks on fundamental freedoms, including the right to artistic freedom." The American PEN Association, opposing the ruling against Mahdi Yarahy and condemning it strongly, calls for the immediate dismissal of all charges against him. Julie Turbo, director of ARC, expressed solidarity with the people of Iran and called for adherence to the principles of freedom of expression in the country. Mahdi Yarahy’s conviction was announced after his temporary release from Evin prison last October. The young singer was arrested last summer and is currently free on a bail of 150 billion rials. His charges include "producing, sending, distributing, and publishing immoral and unethical content through computer and communication systems, encouraging people to corruption and profanity," and "propaganda against the regime." Yarahy’s arrest occurred just before the first anniversary of the recent nationwide protests against the government, at a time when the Islamic Republic announced its stance on cultural activists who act against national interests, stating that such cultural figures would no longer be allowed to work. This includes female actors who removed their hijabs. It is still unclear when Mahdi Yarahy might be summoned to serve his sentence, and whether he intends to file an appeal. Many Iranian artists and writers have faced prosecution for participating in or supporting the nationwide protests against the Islamic Republic following the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police. Tomaj Salehi, a rapper, and Taraneh Alidoosti, an actress, are among these artists whose treatment by the Islamic Republic has sparked widespread global protests. Additionally, see: Open letter from filmmakers worldwide to the Islamic Republic: Drop the charges against two Iranian directors. Last December, the American PEN Association, along with thirty prominent cinematic organizations, global film festivals, and international filmmakers, published an open letter urging the Iranian authorities to immediately drop all charges against Maryam Maqdami and Behtash Sanaeiha, Iranian directors. According to statistics from the American PEN Association, Iran was the second largest prison for writers in the world in 2023. The "Artists at Risk" group (ARC) is a project of the American PEN Association created to assist endangered artists and strengthen the networks and organizations that support them. This article incorporates statements from the American PEN Association and previous reports from VOA. Mahdi Yarahy’s lawyer announced the prison and whipping sentence for this artist. The American PEN Association criticized the "widespread repression" in Iran: Tomaj Salehi must be released immediately. Mahdi Yarahy was released on bail. The trial of the singer of "Rusaritow" was held; lawyers called for Mahdi Yarahy’s release on bail. Mahdi Yarahy’s case went to court with the charge of "encouraging corruption and inciting immoral crimes." A nomination proposal for Mahdi Yarahy for a Grammy Award was submitted to the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.