Annual Report on 'Artistic Freedom Worldwide': Continuation of Systematic Censorship and Restrictions in Iran

The organization 'Freemuse' has published its annual report on artistic freedom around the world. Freemuse is an independent international NGO that advocates for artistic freedom of expression and cultural diversity in various countries. This organization has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This year's report, spanning 110 pages, examines the state of artistic freedom in countries such as China, Cuba, Egypt, Myanmar, Nigeria, Russia, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, and Iran from various aspects. Freemuse refers to citizens who faced repressive reactions from their governments due to their activities in various artistic fields, and whose freedom of expression has been violated. Emphasizing the importance of human rights, equality, non-discrimination, and cultural diversity, the organization has documented various instances of violations of artistic freedom in countries to raise awareness and garner international, regional, and national support for endangered artists. Freemuse begins the section on Iran with the message 'For Woman, Life, Freedom,' which is one of the main symbols of the recent protest movement. Following the death of Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the Islamic Republic's morality police last September, Freemuse notes that Iranian artists were among the thousands of protesters who were arrested by security forces for participating in these demonstrations, and even young rapper Tomaj Salehi faces the possibility of a death sentence. According to the organization, in recent months, Iranian authorities have banned protest songs about Mahsa Amini's death, and the singers, songwriters, and composers of these works have been arrested. Freemuse recalls that the Islamic Republic has been suppressing human rights activists, lawyers, journalists, critics, and Iranian artists for decades. The organization states that arrests, long-term imprisonment, torture, sexual harassment, and executions are tools used by the Iranian government to confront demands for basic citizens' rights and social changes. Freemuse emphasizes that in recent months, the Islamic Republic has restricted artistic freedom of expression regarding social issues, especially concerning women's rights. The organization states that Iranian women continue to be deprived of equal presence and opportunities in many cultural and artistic fields in the country, which is a clear example of gender discrimination. Freemuse points out that several prominent Iranian figures have not remained silent against these repressive policies. According to the organization's data, since September 17, 2022, the Islamic Republic has arrested about 97 Iranian artists, of whom 46 have been released so far. Meanwhile, Mohammad Rasoulof, Mostafa Al-Ahmad, and Jafar Panahi, Iranian filmmakers, were arrested prior to the recent nationwide protests. Freemuse also addresses the case of Tomaj Salehi, who faces the possibility of a death sentence for supporting women's rights and the youth freedom movement during the recent nationwide protests. The organization quotes Tomaj Salehi in its report, who said before his arrest: 'If tomorrow people do not cry for me, it is because you were not with me today.' Freemuse mentions other Iranian artists such as Saman Yasin, a rapper, Vahijeh Parizanganeh, an illustrator, and Taraneh Alidoosti, a well-known actress, who were arrested by the Iranian government in connection with the nationwide protests. According to the organization, the arrest of Taraneh Alidoosti faced protests from many festivals, cultural and artistic centers around the world, and major cinema stars. Hossein Mohammadi, a theater actor, is another Iranian artist mentioned in this report. Freemuse states that Mr. Mohammadi was sentenced to death in a show trial for the murder of a security officer, but he appears to have been targeted due to his position. Hossein Mohammadi's death sentence was later changed to a long-term imprisonment. Freemuse also refers to the piece 'Baraye' by Shervin Hajipour, which became an anthem for Iranian protesters and gained significant popularity worldwide. The organization states that Shervin Hajipour was arrested by security forces after the release of 'Baraye' and spent some time in prison. This young singer is currently free, but he may still face trial on charges such as 'propaganda.' Freemuse emphasizes the international fame of this work, mentioning the performance of 'Baraye' at a Coldplay concert in Buenos Aires featuring Golshifteh Farahani, and the awarding of one of the Grammy music awards to Shervin Hajipour. Songs by Samin and Behineh Bolouri, Mehdi Yarahee, and the group Baghz are among the protest works that were performed despite all the challenges in Iran. In conclusion, the organization states that the Iranian government's strict control over cultural and artistic freedom has not prevented the dissemination of works supporting women's rights and the 'Woman, Life, Freedom' movement, and in addition to various songs, many graphic images, exhibitions, and performances have been conducted in this regard. Freemuse asserts that despite the pressure from the Islamic Republic, Iranian art, artists, and cultural expression remain a powerful force both inside and outside Iran. The organization, pointing to the repeated violations of human rights in Iran, calls on the Islamic Republic to comply with international laws, allowing creativity and free expression for artists and cultural figures, and to respect gender equality to create equal opportunities for women in this field.