Global Institutions Call for Acquittal of Three Iranian Musicians and Filmmaker

Freemuse, an organization defending freedom of expression in music, along with nine other international organizations, sent a letter to the head of Iran's judiciary and other officials of the Islamic Republic, demanding the acquittal of Mehdi Rajabian and Yousef Emadi, composers, and Hossein Rajabian, a filmmaker. Mehdi Rajabian, a musician and founder of the website BargMusic, which focuses on alternative music, along with his brother Hossein Rajabian and Yousef Emadi, were sentenced to six years in prison and a fine of 20 million tomans each by Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran on charges of 'insulting sacred beliefs' and 'propaganda against the regime.' However, Freemuse emphasized the right to freedom of expression as stated in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Iran has also accepted, and called for the removal of all charges against these three artists. The organization stated that the arrest and trial of Mehdi Rajabian, Hossein Rajabian, and Yousef Emadi were solely due to their exercise of the right to freedom of expression. Ole Reitov, the executive director of Freemuse, noted that 'as much as Iran has gained credibility for discussions regarding its nuclear program, it loses that credibility through the intimidation and unjust imprisonment of artists and civil society activists.' He also stated that 'restricting freedom of expression in Iran reflects an internal conflict between Hassan Rouhani and influential conservative groups, including the Revolutionary Guards, who oppose any cultural reforms and seem to want to bring the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance under their control.' Mehdi and Hossein Rajabian and Yousef Emadi were arrested in October 2013 and are currently free on bail of 200 million tomans each. The Iran Human Rights Campaign website reported that their trial was held in May under Judge Moghiseh, lasting only 15 minutes. The court claimed that the three 'intended to promote disregard for sacred beliefs' by releasing underground music. Their appeal was held on January 1 in Branch 54 of the Tehran Court of Appeals under Judge Babaei, but a final ruling on this case has not yet been issued. Other international organizations that have joined Freemuse in calling for the acquittal of these three artists include PEN International, the Iran Human Rights Campaign, the European Composers and Songwriters Association, and the European Artists Council.