Mehdi Yarrahi Reflects on the Anniversary of His Arrest: 'When You Get Whipped, You Are Filled with Freedom'

Mehdi Yarrahi, a prominent Iranian singer, reacted to the anniversary of his arrest on Tuesday, September 6, by posting a message on his social media account. He was arrested on September 6, 1402, by the order of the prosecutor of the Islamic Revolutionary Court for singing the song 'Rousarito' at his home. Yarrahi performed this song in support of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement and in protest against the mandatory hijab law in Iran. When he released this song, he stated that he dedicated it to 'the noble women of my homeland who shine at the forefront of the battlefield.' The singer, who shared images from his arrest, said: 'When you get whipped, you are filled with freedom.' He continued: 'A year ago, at this hour; about 40 plainclothes agents stormed my residence and... (the details are to be saved for later).' Mr. Yarrahi mentioned: 'More than six of them filmed the moments of my arrest from different angles with mobile phones, and the atmosphere was extremely tense. Coincidentally, the videos (due to the nature of the confrontation with them) were useless, and they had to take and release screenshots to ensure that the content and mixed audio and video did not lead to a distorted perception in the minds of the public...' He added: 'On the second day (in the evening) while returning from the court (by a young soldier responsible for taking and bringing the accused, with whom I was handcuffed), I saw one of the photos, and my eyes sparkled with joy. Because I was witnessing the most beautiful image of myself. A frame filled with women, life, and freedom.' Yarrahi's arrest received widespread attention on social media and international media, and many artists and human rights organizations supported him. The singer was temporarily released from prison after posting bail, but later the court sentenced him to imprisonment and lashes. Zahra Minoui, Yarrahi's lawyer, stated in January 1402 that her client was sentenced to 2 years and 8 months of imprisonment and 74 lashes. According to Ms. Minoui, one year of Yarrahi's imprisonment is enforceable. The American PEN Association protested against the issuance of a prison and lash sentence for Mehdi Yarrahi. Yarrahi was released on bail. The trial of the singer of 'Rousarito' was held; lawyers demanded Yarrahi's release on bail. A nomination proposal for Mehdi Yarrahi for a Grammy Award was submitted to the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.