International Organizations Protest Heavy Sentences for Two Poets

Heavy judicial sentences against two poets and a documentary filmmaker in Iran have drawn reactions from international and domestic organizations, including PEN International and the Iranian Writers' Association, which deemed the Revolutionary Court's rulings a blatant violation of freedom of expression. Mehdi Mousavi and Fatemeh Ekhtesari, prominent figures in the literary style known as 'postmodern ghazal' in Iran, were sentenced to long prison terms of 9 years and 11.5 years, respectively, along with 99 lashes. The same court also sentenced Keyvan Karimi, a documentary filmmaker, to 6 years in prison and 223 lashes, with the main charge against him and the two poets being 'insulting the sacred.' PEN International condemned this decision by the Tehran Revolutionary Court, stating it reflects the ongoing trend of restricting freedom of expression in Iran. Emil Martel, President of PEN Quebec, remarked that '270 delegates from 84 PEN centers around the world gathered for the 81st PEN International Congress in Quebec were horrified to hear about the conviction of Fatemeh Ekhtesari and Mehdi Mousavi.' Additionally, Marian Botford Fraser, Chair of the PEN Writers in Prison Committee, stated that this news surfaced while the committee was holding a meeting dedicated to combating such injustices worldwide. According to her, such sentences underscore the necessity of PEN's efforts more than ever, 'when we see two poets facing long prison terms solely for writing and publishing their poetry.' John Ralston Saul, President of PEN International, emphasized that PEN centers stand in solidarity with their Iranian colleagues and demand the immediate repeal of these sentences. Meanwhile, the Iranian Writers' Association issued a statement in response to these sentences, declaring that 'this issue pertains to freedom of expression' and 'the association defends the freedom of expression of these artists.' The statement highlighted another charge against Mehdi Mousavi, Fatemeh Ekhtesari, and Keyvan Karimi, which was 'shaking hands and kissing non-mahram,' asserting that such accusations are 'a pretext for suppressing dissenters' and 'the government and, by extension, the judiciary should not interfere in individuals' private relationships.' The Writers' Association ultimately stated that 'it demands the unconditional repeal of these sentences.' The American PEN also released a separate statement calling for the annulment of these judicial sentences.