Ebadi: Inhuman Punishment of Mahdi Yarahy is a Blow to Believers in Freedom

Shirin Ebadi, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and head of the Human Rights Defenders Center, condemned the execution of 74 lashes for Mahdi Yarahy, a protesting singer, calling it "a sign of the suppression of freedom of expression in Iran" and "a lash on the body of all believers in the path of freedom and justice." She emphasized that this "inhuman punishment goes beyond a punitive action against an artist and is, in fact, a blow to all those who believe in freedom and justice." In another part of her reaction, published on her personal Instagram page, she noted that the widespread reaction of the people in "virtual and real spaces" reflects Mahdi Yarahy's high status in society and added that this punishment will only strengthen the resolve of freedom supporters. She also referred to Yarahy's own reaction, quoting him: "He who is not willing to pay a price for freedom does not deserve freedom." Shirin Ebadi stressed that this statement reflects the artist's commitment to the ideals of equality and justice, and the government's aim with such rulings is not punishment but rather to instill fear and silence dissenting voices. She added that the Islamic Republic continues to use lash punishment while many countries, including Saudi Arabia, have stopped or severely limited its implementation. Ebadi also emphasized that the execution of this sentence once again proved that the Islamic Republic not only does not adhere to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Convention Against Torture but also has no belief in international rules and norms. In conclusion, she pointed out that this action by the Islamic Republic sends a clear message to the people of Iran and the world: a government that claims to represent Muslims easily considers lashing and punishment as permissible, akin to consuming blood during Ramadan. The execution of 74 lashes for Mahdi Yarahy, an Iranian protesting singer, has sparked widespread reactions in international media and social networks. In this context, a large number of artists, writers, athletes, prominent cultural and social figures, as well as human rights activists and organizations, have condemned this action, describing it as "inhuman." Many view this ruling as a sign of the intensification of the suppression of freedom of expression in Iran and have expressed concern about the ongoing pressure on artists and activists. These reactions indicate the importance of the issue at both national and international levels and the increasing attention to the human rights situation in Iran.