Also available in Persian — نسخه فارسی EN فا
🔴 Breaking ❓ Unknown

Exclusive: Creators of the 'Houri' Music Video Summoned to Court Again

Jul 17, 2026 July 17, 2026 2 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

Danial Moghadam, Sahar Zakaria, and Saba Kamali have been summoned to court for their music video 'Houri,' which addresses violence against women. They face charges of promoting immorality, and reports indicate they are under pressure and effectively banned from working. This incident highlights ongoing repression of artistic expression in Iran.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The summoning of these artists underscores the Iranian government's crackdown on dissent.

👥 Key Players

Danial Moghadam (دانیال مقدم) ACTOR
Actor and artist
"Danial Moghadam was summoned to the Criminal Execution Division."
Sahar Zakaria (سحر زکریا) ACTOR
Artist
"Sahar Zakaria was summoned following the release of the music video 'Houri'."
Saba Kamali (صبا کمالی) ACTOR
Artist
"Saba Kamali was summoned following the release of the music video 'Houri'."
Gholam-Ali Kaveh-Pour QUOTED
Singer
"Gholam-Ali Kaveh-Pour, a singer known for 'Where is My Aunt Baba?'"
Iranian judiciary ACTOR
Judicial authority
"The judiciary of the Islamic Republic summoned Danial Moghadam."
Culture and Media Prosecutor's Office ACTOR
Prosecutor's Office
"Summoned to the Execution Branch of the Culture and Media Prosecutor's Office."

⚡ Actions

Iranian judiciary INDICT Danial Moghadam, Sahar Zakaria, Saba Kamali
"Danial Moghadam, Sahar Zakaria, and Saba Kamali were summoned following the release of the music video 'Houri'."
Confidence: 90%
Culture and Media Prosecutor's Office SUMMON Danial Moghadam, Sahar Zakaria, Saba Kamali
"Danial Moghadam was summoned to the Criminal Execution Division of the Culture and Media Prosecutor's Office."
Confidence: 90%
Iranian authorities BAN Danial Moghadam, Sahar Zakaria, Saba Kamali
"Following this action, the judiciary of the Islamic Republic summoned Danial Moghadam, Sahar Zakaria, and Saba Kamali."
Confidence: 80%

📰 What Happened

Iranian artists summoned to court for music video addressing women's rights.

  • Iranian judiciary indict Danial Moghadam, Sahar Zakaria, Saba Kamali
  • Culture and Media Prosecutor's Office summon Danial Moghadam, Sahar Zakaria, Saba Kamali
  • Iranian authorities ban Danial Moghadam, Sahar Zakaria, Saba Kamali

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: Because it highlights the ongoing repression of artistic expression and women's rights.
🌍 Regional: Because it reflects broader issues of human rights and freedom of expression in the Middle East.
🌐 International: Because it draws attention to Iran's treatment of activists and artists.

📚 Background

The summoning of these artists underscores the Iranian government's crackdown on dissent.

📝 Key Evidence

"They have been 'under significant pressure and have been informally banned from working.'"
→ This proves the adverse treatment of the artists by Iranian authorities.
📡 Source: OPPOSITION
📊 Confidence: 80%
VOA Persian is known for its critical stance on the Iranian government.

Reports received by Voice of America indicate that Danial Moghadam, an actor and artist, along with Sahar Zakaria and Saba Kamali, who performed a music video addressing discrimination and violence against women, has been summoned to the Execution Branch of the Culture and Media Prosecutor's Office on charges of promoting 'debauchery and immorality.' A knowledgeable source told the Persian section of Voice of America on Sunday, April 8, that Danial Moghadam, Sahar Zakaria, and Saba Kamali were summoned following the release of the music video 'Houri' on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. According to documents obtained by Voice of America, Danial Moghadam was summoned to the Criminal Execution Division of the Culture and Media Prosecutor's Office on Saturday, April 7, and was given five days to report to this judicial body. The reason for Moghadam's presence in this notification is stated as 'notification of the suspension of prosecution.' These three artists published content defending women's rights and against discrimination and violence on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women last year. Following this action, the judiciary of the Islamic Republic summoned Danial Moghadam, Sahar Zakaria, and Saba Kamali. After their summoning, it has been reported that they have been 'under significant pressure and have been informally banned from working.' Danial Moghadam previously released a music video titled 'Raees' with Gholam-Ali Kaveh-Pour, a singer known for 'Where is My Aunt Baba?' which directly criticizes the leaders of the Islamic Republic, stating: 'Haji, they are ripping off all the youth here.'

🌐

Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

📰 Related Coverage

⚖️ Independent Platform — Artesh.com is not affiliated with any government, military, or political organization. Editorial Policy →