Iranian Singer Begins Six-Month Prison Sentence for 'Propaganda'

Behrad Ali Kenari, an Iranian singer previously arrested during the 2022 nationwide protests, has been sent to prison in central Qom to serve a six-month sentence.

Kenari reported to Qom Prison on Saturday after a recent conviction for "propaganda against the Islamic Republic through cooperation with anti-government media."

This latest legal action against the outspoken artist follows a series of encounters with Iranian authorities.

Kenari's recent troubles began on May 13, when he was arrested by security forces. Though he was released on bail shortly after, the charges against him persisted, culminating in the six-month sentence he is now serving.

He was among those detained during the 2022 protests, in connection with the "murder of Basij member Ruhollah Ajamian" case.

At that time, Kenari was held in the Central Prison of Karaj until April 2023, when he was released following an "amnesty" order by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.