Iranian authorities have sentenced singer Shervin Hajipour, a vocal supporter of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, to three years and eight months in prison.
He is charged with "propaganda activities against the Islamic Republic" and "inciting people to riot."
Hajipour announced the verdict in an Instagram post on March 1, also revealing a two-year ban on leaving the country.
Hajipour's troubles stem from the release of the popular protest song “Braye”, or “For," which became an anthem for the protest movement following the death in custody of Mahsa Amini in September 2022.
The song, garnering millions of views within days, resonated with lyrics drawn from ordinary Iranians’ social media posts and its critique of the Islamic Republic, and went on to win the "Song for Social Change" award at the 65th Grammy Awards.
Hajipour's sentencing has raised concerns over the harshness of the punishment as he has no prior criminal record. His song seems to be the only basis for the charges and sentencing.
The news comes amid the ongoing imprisonment of other singers associated with the protests, including Toomaj Salehi, Mehdi Yaraahi, and Saman Yasin.
visit the accountability section
In this section of Iran Wire, you can contact the officials and launch your campaign for various problems
Interested in writing for IranWire?
Share your stories.
Editor's Picks
Iranian Leaders Vow Retaliation Against Israel; Regional Conflict Looms
Iran's Hijab Bill Triggers Outcry and Bankruptcy Concerns Over Dress Code Fines
'Defendant Did Not Express Remorse': Suspicious Deaths of Young Protesters After Release from Prison
comments