The Dance Wave of 'Sadegh Boqi' in Iranian Cities; Ali Karimi: 'It Strikes at the Roots of the Clerical Regime'

Reports about the potential arrest and blocking of the Instagram page of a well-known citizen named 'Sadegh Boqi', whose dance and singing video in the Rasht market has gone viral on social media, have sparked widespread reactions. In recent days, following the announcement of governmental actions against 'Sadegh Boqi', a 70-year-old man who leads group dances and celebrations in Rasht, a campaign has emerged in various regions of Iran where citizens are sharing videos of their group dances. The participation of Sadegh Boqi in the Rasht market has been replicated with a spontaneous civil resistance in different cities. Erfan Rezaei's mother, one of the victims of the nationwide protests in 2021 in Amol, shared images of her son's dance accompanied by Sadegh Boqi's singing, stating: 'I have not seen movements more uncoordinated than the hands that shot at our children. Our inner sanctum is filled with sorrow. You dance so we can enjoy your happiness.' Ali Karimi, a famous Iranian footballer opposed to the Islamic Republic, shared a rhythmic sports practice video with Sadegh Boqi's famous song, addressing his audience: 'Your joy strikes at the roots of the clerical regime. So be as happy as you can.' Journalist Saeed Arkanzadeh wrote: 'Iranian society has made its decision for fundamental changes for several years and has begun widespread resistance. Despite all the obstacles from the official structure, society has pushed for changes at any cost. However, the structure still pretends not to see and is occasionally shocked by the strong will of society.' The Tehran-based newspaper Sazandegi, in a report titled 'The Sadegh Wave', discussed reactions to the government's actions against Sadegh Baqeri and its editor Akbar Montajebi stated that 'limitations never work.' He emphasized: 'The wave that started with Sadegh Boqi has even overshadowed Sasi Manikan.' Reactions to the government's actions against 'Sadegh Boqi' were not limited to Iranian citizens, reaching the point where the 'Israel in Persian' account on the social media platform X reposted several videos, stating: 'Joy, courage, and beauty are replicable, and no desperate dictator can stop it. Everyone is Sadegh Boqi.' According to reports in previous days, Sadegh Baqeri's Instagram page was blocked by the judiciary, and 12 people were arrested for 'publishing videos from the Rasht fish market.' Hossein Hassanpour, the deputy commander of the Gilan police, announced the arrest of 12 citizens in connection with the publication of videos of dancing and joy in Rasht, stating that 'following the publication of images of dancing and revelry in public spaces, the Rasht market and the cultural pedestrian walkway were addressed by a group he called 'norm-breakers.' According to this police official, the reflection of this dance and revelry on social media and satellite channels had caused 'public decency to be offended.' Furthermore, warnings were issued for four businesses due to 'holding dances and singing' in this county. Afterward, reports indicated that 'Sadegh Boqi' had been arrested, but the Gilan police command's information center denied this news. The denial came after widespread public support in various cities and the replication of one of his songs along with group dances across Iran. The Gilan police news agency announced that the arrest of 'an identified individual' and 'unreal news' about him 'was found to be untrue' and that individuals labeled as 'norm-breakers' in this announcement were 'warned.' The Gilan police chief requested that 'some social media pages related to the issue' be reopened. Sadegh Boqi, who has become one of the beloved figures among Iranians, emphasized in an interview that he sings and dances to uplift the community's spirits and bring smiles to citizens in the streets and markets. In pursuit of this goal, some young artists and musicians have joined him. He stated, 'I only want the happiness of the people and I want their spirits to change.' Mr. Sadegh, who is known for leading football spectators, said, 'I am 70 years old, I have been cheering for football for 50 years, and if I have a long life, I will cheer for my country for another 10 years; because I am a true Iranian!' There have been previous instances of violent reactions to dancing and joy among the people in Iran, and some experts say that the sensitivity of the Islamic Republic authorities has increased in recent years regarding this issue. Dancing and joy have long been prevalent among various ethnic groups in Iran and still are. Previously, audiences of Voice of America answered the question in the program 'On the Line' whether harsh and violent reactions to joy and dance have religious roots or are a political tool for controlling society.