Mahdi Yarrahi: Execution of Whipping Sentence Delayed

Mahdi Yarrahi, the protesting singer, announced on Friday, March 1, that the execution of his sentence of 74 lashes, which was supposed to take place in February, has been postponed to March. On December 31 of this year, Yarrahi had stated that he was ready for the 'execution of the 74 lashes.' Earlier, Zahra Minoui, Yarrahi's lawyer, announced on December 28 that the one-year prison sentence of her client had ended with an 'electronic ankle bracelet,' but he still faces the punishment of 74 lashes. Yarrahi also referred to his work ban, stating that this experience has given him a deeper understanding of the conditions faced by Iranian female singers—women who have been deprived of the right to sing for over four decades. Yarrahi emphasized that he will not seek a permit for official activities and performances because he 'does not want to take advantage of gender-based privileges.' In part of his remarks, he said: 'I have been banned and unable to work for more than six years, while it is my right to hold concerts in my own country. However, this additional suffering has allowed me to understand more deeply the injustices that women in my homeland endure solely because of their gender. I will not turn away from this awareness and will stand alongside the women of my country.' Yarrahi also referenced a line from the freedom anthem, saying, 'When you are whipped, you are filled with freedom.' On September 27 of last year, Yarrahi was arrested by the security forces of the Islamic Republic for singing the protest song 'Rusari To' at his home and was sentenced to 2 years and 8 months of imprisonment and 74 lashes, of which one year of his prison sentence was enforceable. He sang this song in support of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement and in protest against the mandatory hijab law in Iran. He stated at the time of the song's release that he dedicates it to 'the noble women of my homeland who shine on the front lines.' Yarrahi's arrest received widespread attention on social media and in global media, with many artists and human rights organizations supporting him.