Statement
Iranian Authorities Arrest and Disappear Singer Zara Esmaeili
Iran
Zara Esmaeili, a young Iranian singer who posted videos of herself singing covers of international pop songs in public spaces in Tehran - without wearing hijab - was detained and disappeared by Iranian security agents on July 25 and has not been heard from since, though one report indicates she is being held at Tehran Central Prison. Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) and PEN America demand the Iranian authorities immediately release her from custody, following this arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance.
“The continued attacks on Iranian artists, including arbitrary detention, false charges, and physical assault, demonstrates that the government is ruthless in seeking to impose total control over expression in the country, but is failing,” said Adam Shapiro, Manager of International Programs at ARC. “The enforced disappearance of Ms. Esmaeili for her joyful expression, just weeks after the election of an alleged 'reformist' president, is condemnable and is a reminder that no one is safe in Iran.”
Ms. Emaeili became known - and drew the unwanted attention of the security forces - for social media posts of her singing in public spaces in Tehran, particularly the neighborhood of Ekbatan. The neighborhood is known for its regular protests following the killing of Mahsa (Zhini) Amini by Iranian police in 2022. Ms. Amini was similarly detained and ultimately died in police custody.
In the last two years other Iranian singers have been targeted, including Toomaj Salehi, who rose to prominence after releasing a song for the Women Life Freedom protest movement. Mr. Salehi was initially given a death sentence, although that was overturned by Iran’s Supreme Court following an international campaign. Nonetheless he remains imprisoned while his case is returned to a lower court. Another singer, Shervin Hajipour, will start serving a 3 year, 8 month sentence, after he was prosecuted over his Grammy-winning song, “Baraye,” honoring Ms. Amini. Other artists engaged in public expression, such as cartoonist Atena Farghadani, who was beaten and arrested by security forces after trying to post a cartoon on a wall in Tehran, have been subjected to abuse and persecution.
ARC and PEN America call for the immediate release of Ms. Esmaeili and for the authorities to respect the fundamental human right of freedom of expression.
August 9, 2024
About Artists at Risk Connection
Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) provides resources and networking opportunities for the safety and protection of at-risk artists and works to promote artistic freedom around the world. If you or someone you know is an at-risk artist, please contact ARC.
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect open expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write and recognize the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.