Two Citizens in Tabriz Sent to Prison for 'Performing Protest Rap'

Iranian human rights media report that Milad Jalili, a protest singer, and Salar Tahrafshar, a civil activist from Tabriz, have been transferred to Tabriz prison to serve their sentences. Relatives of these prisoners informed the Azerbaijani Political Prisoners Defense Association (ADAP) that Mr. Tahrafshar was sent to Tabriz prison on Wednesday, June 6, 'after introduction and administrative procedures' to serve a six-month sentence. According to these sources, Mr. Jalili, a rapper known as 'Ilshan', also reported to the enforcement of sentences on Thursday, June 7, due to the end of administrative time on June 6. This protest singer had previously stated in a video on his Instagram page that he would be imprisoned for eight months for singing a song in support of 13 Azerbaijani political prisoners who have been detained since last November. These two citizens from Tabriz were arrested last December after Milad Jalili performed a song in support of Azerbaijani political prisoners and were temporarily released from Tabriz prison on bail after two months. The second branch of the Tabriz Revolutionary Court accused Milad Jalili and Salar Tahrafshar of 'propaganda against the regime' for their 'performance' and 'assistance' in executing this song and sentenced them to imprisonment. The Azerbaijani Political Prisoners Association of Iran has also announced that a case has been opened against Salar Tahrafshar in the 15th branch of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on charges of 'conspiracy to disrupt national security'. The repression of artists has increased following the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests in 2022, and several protest singers, including Tomaj Salehi, Shervin Hajipour, and Saman Yasin, have faced summons, arrests, and heavy judicial sentences due to their protests against the detention and repression of people.