Another Protest Rapper Arrested in Iran; Vafadar: The Islamic Republic Has Taken My Family as 'Hostages'

Vafa Ahmadpour, a protest rapper known by his stage name 'Vafadar', was arrested on Sunday evening, February 4. He had previously stated that his family had been taken hostage by the authorities of the Islamic Republic. On Tuesday, February 5, the legal advisors group Dadban reported, citing an informed source, that Vafadar had been summoned several times by phone, but did not respond because 'telephone summonses are not legal.' Eventually, he decided to go and turn himself in for the sake of his family. The informed source also emphasized that 'we have not heard from him since then and are worried about him.' Before his arrest, Vafadar announced in a video that intelligence agents had gone to his former workplace and, upon finding he was not there, stormed his home. This protest artist stated that 'this might be the last clip I post,' emphasizing that he has only spoken of 'justice' and protested against 'discrimination and inequality.' Despite being able to achieve a lot, he could not remain silent when he saw 'rights being trampled.' In this video message, he stressed that 'the only thing I have is hope,' adding, 'I have a lot to say, but there is no time, as I have to turn myself in.' This protest rapper, addressing the authorities of the Islamic Republic, said: 'Is this really justice? To take my family as hostages? I am coming to surrender right now. I do not know what awaits me, but I want to say that this is not fair.' Vafadar concluded his message by saying, 'I have done everything I can to ensure that rights are not trampled. I have worked hard under all circumstances so that people know there is still someone whose heart beats with love for Iran. They are calling me now. I love you, Iran.' Vafadar has spoken in some of his works about the poverty and corruption resulting from the Islamic Republic's rule over the past four decades, emphasizing: 'If our fathers could go back, they would definitely not choose this.' The arrest and prosecution of protest artists by the authorities of the Islamic Republic has a long history, especially following the nationwide protests after the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. Among those arrested after the nationwide protests are Saman Seydi (Yasin), Mehdi Yarahee, and Tomaj Salehi. Previously, Yiwan Ri, a member of the German Parliament and political guardian of Tomaj Salehi, told Voice of America that 'the regime is still afraid of his popularity.'