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Tehran, 7 March 2025 – Famous Iranian musician Mehdi Yarrahi, who supported women protesting against the compulsory wearing of the hijab, was subjected to publicpunishment – 74 lashes. This was reported by his lawyer Zahra Minouei, and confirmed by human rights activists, The New York Times reports.
The punishment was the culmination of years of persecution of the artist, which began after his arrest in 2023. It was then that the Iranian authorities launched a massive crackdown on cultural and scientific figures amid the anniversary of the nationwide uprising that erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old girl detained for violating the rules of wearing a hijab.
The song that challenged the regime
Mehdi Yarrahi became one of the symbols of the protest movement when he released the song “Roosarito”, in which he praised the courage of Iranian women who publicly removed their hijabs and opened their hair in protest. The song quickly spread online, became an anthem of civil disobedience, and the musician himself came under the sights of Iranian intelligence services.
“Anyone who is not willing to pay the price for freedom does not deserve freedom,” Yarrahi wrote on his X (Twitter) account after his sentencing, thanking his team of lawyers and expressing hope for Iran’s liberation.
Repression against the backdrop of international success
The musician’s punishment caused a wave of outrage on social media, especially after Iranian artists received international recognition: two Iranian directors recently won an Oscar for a short animated film. Social media users sarcastically comment on the contrast – while some artists receive international awards, others are subjected to torture and humiliation in Iran.
Yarrakhi’s lawyer said that his client is currently unable to sit or lean on his back due to his injuries. We would like to remind you that according to international law, recognised by the UN, flogging is considered a form of torture and degrading to human dignity.
Mehdi Yarrahi became the voice of the protests that have been going on in Iran since 2022. At that time, the country was shaken by mass demonstrations led by women who opposed religious dictatorship and violence. The protests lasted for almost six months and ended in a violent crackdown, more than 500 deaths, tens of thousands of arrests, and public executions.
At a time when Iranian artists are receiving awards and applause outside the country, the suppression of freedom of speech, the right to dignity and freedom of expression continues in Iran.
