US Permanent Representative to the Human Rights Council: The Arrest of Mehdi Yarahee is a Violation of Freedom of Expression

The US Permanent Representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council criticized the arrest of Mehdi Yarahee, a government-critical singer in Iran, calling it a violation of human rights and freedom of expression. Michelle Taylor on Friday, September 1, described the arrest of this protesting singer as 'a blatant disregard by the Iranian regime for human rights and freedom of expression.' This American official cited the Islamic Republic's treatment of Mehdi Yarahee as further evidence of Iran's unsuitability to assume the presidency of the human rights body within the United Nations. The Islamic Republic was appointed to the presidency of the Social Assembly of the UN Human Rights Council a few months ago, a move that has faced negative reactions from human rights organizations and opposition from the United States. Previously, Abram Paley, the Deputy Special Envoy of the United States for Iran, had described the arrest of Mehdi Yarahee as an attempt by the Iranian government to 'silence the voice of the Iranian people.' Abram Paley further urged the 'Iranian regime' to end the crackdowns and listen to its citizens. Mehdi Yarahee was arrested last week following the release of the song 'Take Off Your Headscarf.' The Mizan news agency, affiliated with the judiciary, announced that a legal case had been opened against him following the release of 'an illegal song by Mehdi Yarahee.' This arrest was carried out at the request of the Tehran prosecutor. In contrast, Mustafa Nili, the lawyer of this protesting singer, told 'Shargh Network' on September 1 that 'currently, we have no news about the details and reasons for this arrest.' The arrest of Mehdi Yarahee has sparked widespread criticism, and several women on social media shared videos in solidarity with this song, removing their headscarves. Ali Karimi, a former football star and opponent of the Iranian government, also called for support from singers within the country for Mehdi Yarahee. Zeinab Zaman, a civil activist, quoted her father, Hossein Zaman, stating that Mehdi Yarahee is a singer 'with a proper understanding of social issues' and 'aware of his artistic duty.' Some imprisoned human rights activists, including Narges Mohammadi and Sepideh Gholian, also wrote letters in support of Mehdi Yarahee. Narges Mohammadi described 'Take Off Your Headscarf,' Mehdi Yarahee's last song before his arrest, as 'the message of the fighting women of Iran' in 'a public courtyard' and called it a cause for the 'collapse' of the 'conspiracy of terror of the authoritarian religious government.' A wave of support from artists for Mehdi Yarahee; Reyhaneh Parsa also published a short message. Ashkan Khatibi supported Mehdi Yarahee by reinterpreting the song 'Take Off Your Headscarf.' Mina Daris sang in Arabic in memory of Mehdi Yarahee: 'Enough of the sleep of negligence, rise up.' Narges Mohammadi stated: 'The song 'Take Off Your Headscarf' by Mehdi Yarahee was a collapse on the head of the authoritarian religious government.' A letter from Sepideh Gholian to 'Mehdi Yarahee': 'I saw your place in the hearts of the people.'