Government Pressure on Artists Continues; Leila Naghdipari Arrested and Transferred to Unknown Location

Leila Naghdipari, a cinema set designer and member of the board of the Iranian Cinema Designers Association, was arrested by Iranian government agents on Sunday, September 17, and transferred to an unknown location. According to the news analysis site Modara, the reason for this artist's arrest is still unclear. As of the time of this report, the Iranian judiciary has not reacted to this arrest. Following the killing of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini while in custody of the Iranian morality police last September, many artists in the country, including women, supported the nationwide protests of Iranians in various ways. Among the prominent artists arrested in recent weeks is Mehdi Yarahee. His arrest has faced protests from many other artists, including Taraneh Alidoosti, Mohsen Chavoshi, and Mohsen Namjoo. Other notable musicians who have been arrested include rapper Tomaj Salehi and composer and singer Saman Yasin. Fatemeh Motamed-Arya, Katayoun Riahi, Pantea Bahram, and Afsaneh Bayegan are also some of the prominent Iranian artists who have been summoned or arrested for supporting the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests. The spokesperson for the judiciary announced that Mehdi Yarahee's charge was the publication of a film 'against public morality.' A joint case has been opened for two detained protesters; Yarahee's lawyer stated that his spirit is 'very good.' Mohsen Chavoshi and Mohsen Namjoo condemned Mehdi Yarahee's arrest, stating, 'You are a fighter.' New details about the 'torture' of Saman Yasin have emerged, including fabricated executions and a broken nose, as well as his transfer to Aminabad. The Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran stated that support for the nameless youth of Iranian cinema is essential. The 'Global Music Awards' were awarded to Tomaj Salehi.