Category: Cultural

Brief Detention and Legal Case Filed Against Khosrow Azarbeyg for Street Music Performance

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Cultural, Freedom of Expression, News
Khosrow Azarbeyg, Khosrow Azerbeig, Mellat Park, خسرو آذربیگ

Khosrow Azarbeyg, a musician and world-traveling cyclist, was briefly detained by security forces while performing street music in Tehran’s Mellat Park. Although he was released after a few hours, he now faces legal charges.

On Friday, September 20, Azarbeyg was arrested by plainclothes security officers and municipal agents while performing in Mellat Park, with his equipment confiscated. He was released shortly after but now faces ongoing legal proceedings.

In a video statement, Azarbeyg recounted that on Wednesday, September 25, he visited the police station at Mellat Park, where he was subjected to insults and threats. The senior officer demanded he sign a repentance letter. After Azarbeyg refused, the officer threatened to fabricate a separate case with false details to create further problems for him.

Azarbeyg had previously been arrested on January 10, 2024, for playing the daf (a Middle Eastern frame drum) at a Tehran metro station.

A dedicated cyclist, musician, traveler, documentary filmmaker, and child rights activist, Azarbeyg has journeyed through more than 40 countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa. His activism includes extensive support for underprivileged families in Sistan and Baluchestan, autistic children, and the families of child laborers.

Seven Women Arrested in Bushehr Province for Social Media Modeling

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Cultural, Freedom of Expression, News, Women
Bushehr, compulsory hijab

Authorities in Bushehr Province have arrested seven women for sharing social media content related to modeling, according to Rokna. Their Instagram posts were removed, and electronic devices were confiscated.

The arrests occurred as part of a police initiative called “Nour,” according to the police commander of Bushehr province. The seven women were reportedly involved in operating businesses: one woman worked as a model, four others were involved in creating media content, and two others served as photographers.

The police official stated that, following orders from judicial authorities, the eight social media pages associated with these women were taken down. The report did not specify the identities of the detainees or their current location.

Since April 13, 2024, Iran’s police have increased enforcement of hijab regulations as part of the national action plan “Nour.” Reports suggest instances of arrests and use of force against women deemed to be improperly dressed.

Dozen Detained for Alleged Ramadan Violations in Garmsar

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Cultural, News
Garmsar, Ramadan rules, Semnan Province

According to the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor of Garmsar, Semnan Province, twelve individuals were apprehended on April 1 for purportedly violating Ramadan regulations, as per Basij News Agency. Additionally, several others were reportedly arrested for public alcohol consumption.

“In an effort to address breaches of Ramadan regulations, twelve individuals were apprehended during inspections of parks and recreational areas, and legal proceedings have been initiated against them,” stated prosecutor Vahid Mohammadi.

“Furthermore, several individuals were detained for consuming alcohol in public, and multiple motorcycles and vehicles were seized,” he added.

The identities of the detainees and the location of their detention were not disclosed in the report.

It’s worth noting that while eating and drinking during Ramadan isn’t explicitly criminalized in Iranian laws, Article 638 of the Islamic Penal Code allows penalties for actions deemed Haram (forbidden) in Islamic jurisprudence, ranging from ten days to two months imprisonment or up to 74 lashes.

Faraj Arsan Arrested by Security Forces

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Cultural, Freedom of Expression, News
Faraj Arsan, Ilam province, Malekshahi

Faraj Arsan, a resident of Malekshahi in Ilam Province, was reportedly arrested by security forces in Ilam on April 3, 2024.

According to Kurdpa, Arsan was taken into custody without a warrant and transferred to an undisclosed location.

Sources cited in the report indicate that Arsan was apprehended at his residence, with his participation in a Nowruz celebration gathering noted. As of now, the location of his detention and the charges against him remain unknown.

Mohammad Abbaszadeh Arrested by Security Forces in Ilam

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Cultural, Freedom of Expression, News
Ilam, Mahsa Amini Protests, Mohammad Abbaszadeh, Nowruz, محمد عباس زاده

On March 27, 2024, security forces detained Mohammad Abbaszadeh (Abbas-Zadeh) in Ilam following his participation in a Nowruz celebration gathering, as reported by Kurdpa. Abbaszadeh was then taken to an undisclosed location.

It’s worth noting that the agents conducted the arrest without presenting any formal warrant. Interestingly, just last month, Abbaszadeh had been summoned and subsequently released after signing a letter of commitment. This summons was reportedly linked to his vocal opposition to the parliamentary election.

In May 2023, the Criminal Court of Ilam sentenced Abbaszadeh to six months in prison and imposed a fine. Additionally, he was required to pen a short essay on the “divine punishment of blasphemy.”

Abbaszadeh’s activism has previously led to his arrest during the 2022 nationwide protests, commonly referred to as the Mahsa Amini protests. In that legal proceeding, he was fined and sentenced to 74 lashes, along with one year of suspended imprisonment.

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Rapper Emad Ghavidel Arrested

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Cultural, Freedom of Expression, News
Emad Ghavidel, Gilan province, rap singer

On October 26, security forces arrested social rap singer Emad Ghavidel in Rasht, Gilan Province.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, on October 26, rapper Emad Ghavidel was arrested at his workplace in Rasht.

The reason for his arrest and whereabouts are still unknown.

According to the latest available data gathered by HRANA, about 14000 people have been arrested during the nationwide protests. For more details and statistics on the nationwide protest across Iran, read HRANA’s comprehensive report here.

Songwriter Mona Borzooi Arrested

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Cultural, Freedom of Expression, News
Mona Borzooi

On September 28, 2022, security forces arrested poet and songwriter Mona Borzooi.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, on September 28, 2022, Mona Borzooi was arrested. This was due to the latest poem she wrote in support of Mahsa Amini and the Iranian protests.

Borzooi’s career, as a songwriter, kicked off in 2003 with the lyric “My Tear”. She has written plenty of lyrics for famous Iranian popular singers.

Kermanshah Chief of Police: 1700 Women Taken to Custody for Violation of Islamic Veiling Rule

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Cultural, Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Akbar Javidan, compulsory veiling, Dog walking, harassment of women, Hijab, Kermanshah, Kermanshah’s Police Chief

In recent days, Iran’s law enforcement has intensified the harassment of women in public for failing to observe the Islamic veiling rules, known as Hijab. The chief of police of Kermanshah Province announced that since the beginning of spring, police have taken into custody or summoned 1700 people due to their failure to observe compulsory veiling. Also, 230 vehicles have been impounded for “roaming in the city in a vehicle”.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, quoting Tabnak, Kermanshah’s Police Chief Ali Akbar Javidan revealed the temporary detention of 1700 women on the streets for the failure to observe veiling codes since the beginning of spring.

Claiming that the Iranian people demand that women must cover their hair, Javidan said that  26 morality checkpoints are working visibly and six are undercover to impose the rules in Kermanshah. 

According to Kermanshah’s police chief, since the beginning of spring, security forces have stopped individuals numerous times to warn them about the veiling and morality codes, 1700 individuals were taken into custody and 230 vehicles have been impounded for driving around the city. Javidan also stated that these rules for recreational, tourist and commercial places are also enforced. Dog walking is forbidden in Kermanshah, Javidan warned that if ceased, the dogs will be taken to animal shelters and if repeated, dog walkers will face legal penalties.  

Dance Coach Jailed for Publishing Pictures of Dancers

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Cultural, Freedom of Expression, News
arrested dance coach, Azerbaijani dance teacher, Jila Ebrahimi

In Tabriz, security forces arrested dance coach Jila (Mitra) Ebrahimi for publishing pictures of dancing on social media and transferred her to Tabriz Prison.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, on Friday, July 8, 2022, dance coach Jila Ebrahimi was arrested in Tabriz.

Ebrahimi is an Azerbaijani dance teacher and a member of a cultural association.

Revolutionary Court Orders the Seizure of Singer’s House

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Cultural, News
Hassan Shamaizadeh, Iranian pop singer, revolutionary court

Recently, the Revolutionary Court ordered the confiscation of Iranian pop singer Hassan Shamaizadeh’s House in Tehran. The court cited “obtained by illegitimate means” as the reason.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, singer Hassan Shamaizadeh stated on social media that his house in Iran has been seized by the order of the Revolutionary Court.

The Revolutionary Court argues that the house can be confiscated because it was bought through singing, which is considered to be illegitimate according to Sharia law.

Pictures circulated on social media showing the house is demolished.

Shamaizadeh had warned last month about the authorities’ plan to take over this property, pleading with the public for help.

Hassan Shamaizadeh, age 79, is a famous Iranian pop singer and songwriter who fled Iran to the US after the Revolution in 1979. The practice of seizing personal property has been the regime’s common practice.