The list includes singers, actors, and athletes. Iranian celebrities have been outspoken in their support for the country’s large anti-government protests. And the ruling establishment is retaliating.
Celebrities have been targeted for arrest, had their passports confiscated, and endured various forms of abuse.
Among the most noteworthy cases is that of musician Shervin Hajipour, whose song “For…” has become an anthem for the protest movement, which erupted Sept. 17 in response to the murder in police custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was imprisoned for violating the Islamic Republic’s strict dress code.
The song begins with a soft melody, then Hajipour’s resonant voice starts, “For dancing in the streets,” “for the fear we feel when we kiss …” — listing reasons young Iranians have posted on Twitter for why they are taking to the streets against the ruling theocracy.
It ends with the widely chanted slogan that has become synonymous with the protests: “For women, life, freedom.”
Released on his Instagram page, the song quickly went viral. Hajipour paid the price: The 25-year-old was arrested and held for several days before being released on bail on Oct. 4.
