BAGHDAD (`):
Singers, actors, sports stars – the list goes on. Iranian celebrities have been surprisingly public in their support for the massive anti-government protests sweeping their country. And the ruling establishment is striking back.
Celebrities have been the target of arrests, passports have been confiscated and other forms of harassment have been imposed.
Among the most notable cases is that of singer Shervin Hajipour, whose song “For…” became an anthem for the protest movement that erupted on September 17 over the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody after she was arrested for failing to attend adhere to the strict dress code of the Islamic Republic.
The song begins with a gentle melody, then Hajipour’s sonorous voice joins in: “For dancing in the streets”, “for the fear we feel when we kiss…” – a list of reasons young Iranians posted on Twitter have why they are taking to the streets against the ruling theocracy.
It ends with the much-sung slogan that has become synonymous with the protests: “For Women, Life, Freedom.”
The song was posted to his Instagram page and quickly went viral. Hajipour paid the price: the 25-year-old was arrested and held for several days before being released on bail on October 4.
Since the protests began – and had escalated from anger over Amini’s death to a full challenge to the 43-year rule of conservative Islamic clerics – a range of celebrities have faced reprisals, from singers and soccer players to news anchors.
At least seven public figures in the country have been arrested, according to Iranian news outlets, most of whom have been released on bail and may face charges. Others were interrogated and released.
But their popularity has also made it difficult to crack down on them too – unlike protest activists, who security forces have arrested in large numbers. Iran has a vibrant scene of singers and actors as well as sports stars that are closely followed by the public.
Holly Dagres, an Iranian-American non-resident at the Atlantic Council, said the attempts to intimidate public figures came as no surprise.
“Celebrities – be they athletes, actors, singers or artists – have a large following in Iran, especially on social media, and their support gives life to these protests,” she said.
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