July 7, 2017

Conservative MPs Pressure Culture Ministry to Ban Films Portraying “Realistic Picture” of Modern Iranian Life

A scene from "Atomic Heart" (2014) Director Ali Ahmadzadeh’s film “Atomic Heart,” about the lives of young, modern Iranians, including Christians, could be ...

June 7, 2017

Iranian Political Prisoner With Multiple Sclerosis Refused Medical Furlough

Imprisoned music producers Mehdi Rajabian and his brother Hossein Rajabian refused to return to Evin Prison after the judiciary denied Mehdi Rajabian’s request to ...

June 2, 2017

Musical Concerts Face Uncertain Future in Iran Despite Rouhani’s Vocal Support

Officially sanctioned musical concerts in Iran continue to be canceled following pressure by religious conservatives, while musicians and performers are subjected to threats and other forms of intimidation ...

June 1, 2017

Artists, Activists Send Letter to Rouhani Demanding Release of Imprisoned Music Producers

A group of artists and supporters of the artistic community in Iran have called on newly re-elected President Hassan Rouhani to free two imprisoned music producers ...

May 11, 2017

Iranian Local Teacher’s Union Leader Exiled for Singing Popular Ballad to Students

A teacher in a port city in northern Iran has been exiled for singing to his students. Aziz Ghasemzadeh has been ordered by the Gilan Education Department to move to Roudbar, 65 miles south of Anzali, for ...

May 5, 2017

Rouhani Government Touts Amendment Blocking Police From Unilaterally Stopping Music Concerts

Effectiveness of Legal Measure Remains Unclear The government of President Hassan Rouhani has announced the passage of a new amendment intended to block police from preventing sanctioned music concerts without a court ...