In a stark reminder of Iran's stringent measures against dissent, musician Mehdi Yarrahi was publicly flogged with 74 lashes after his recent celebration of women who have resisted the mandatory hijab law. This punishment, delivered by officers of the Morality Security Prosecutor's Office, comes as part of a wider crackdown on artists and activists in the wake of nationwide protests. His lawyer, Zahra Minuei, reported this brutal act on social media while detailing the physical toll it has taken on the 43-year-old musician, who expressed his commitment to freedom despite the harsh treatment.
Yarrahi captured attention for his support of protests that erupted in 2022 following the death of a woman in custody for hijab violations. This latest punishment coincided with a moment when other Iranian artists celebrated their success at an Oscar ceremony abroad, highlighting the juxtaposition of recognition versus the oppressive atmosphere back home. As his legal team continues to monitor the consequences of this judicial ruling, advocates call for greater attention to human rights violations in Iran, particularly against those using their art to challenge the status quo.
