Iranian vocalist Shervin Hajipour, renowned for his Grammy win bestowed by US First Lady Jill Biden, has been handed a prison sentence exceeding three years due to his song advocating the 2022 protests stemming from the tragic death of Mahsa Amini.
In a recent Instagram post coinciding with Iran's parliamentary election, Hajipour shared what seemed to be an excerpt from the court's ruling against him. The verdict declared a three-year, eight-month imprisonment on charges of "propaganda against the system" and "incitement to protest." The court's decision partially stemmed from his alleged failure to demonstrate sufficient remorse for releasing the contentious song.
Additionally, a two-year travel ban was imposed on Hajipour, along with a directive to compose a track regarding "US crimes" and to disseminate online content related to those offenses.
Expressing gratitude to his legal team and agent for their assistance, Hajipour refrained from naming the judge and prosecutor to avoid potential insults and threats, emphasizing the importance of maintaining dignity and respect even amidst adversity.
Although Hajipour had previously served some time in detention, he had been released on bail pending the court's ruling. It remains unclear whether he has commenced serving his sentence.
Iranian state media, preoccupied with the election, made no mention of Hajipour's sentencing. Furthermore, the Iranian mission to the United Nations did not respond to inquiries seeking comment.
Hajipour's song "Baraye," which served as a rallying cry during the Mahsa Amini protests, enumerates various reasons why young Iranians took to the streets in dissent against the ruling establishment. The demonstrations, sparked by Amini's alleged mistreatment by security forces, swiftly evolved into broader calls for political change, resulting in a harsh crackdown and numerous arrests.
Jill Biden, during the Grammy ceremony last year, lauded Hajipour's song for its poignant portrayal of the quest for freedom and women's rights. However, Hajipour's subsequent sentencing underscores the continued repression faced by dissenting voices, including artists and activists, within Iran.
Human rights organizations, including the Center for Human Rights in Iran and PEN America, have condemned Hajipour's imprisonment as a blatant infringement of free speech and expression. They have called for his immediate release and criticized Iran's ongoing suppression of independent voices critical of the government.
