Tag Archives: update

Georgian Artists Targeted Amid Escalating Repression

Brutal tactics have been employed to suppress protests calling for democratic reforms and the country’s integration with the European Union. Peaceful protesters, numerous artists, and cultural figures have become victims of police brutality and political persecution.

Over 400 individuals have been detained, many of whom have been subjected to physical violence, humiliation, and torture at the hands of law enforcement and paramilitary groups acting with impunity. Among the victims are celebrated actors, poets, writers, directors, and other voices of Georgia’s cultural resistance.

These attacks underscore the government’s increasingly oppressive response to dissent, targeting not only ordinary citizens but also prominent figures from Georgia’s artistic and cultural community.

Despite the violence, the artistic community remains steadfast in its commitment to resisting oppression and is calling for your support in condemning these actions, demanding accountability, and standing in solidarity with the people of Georgia. The voices of artists, journalists, and activists are vital in the fight for a democratic and free Georgia, and their safety must be protected at all costs.
Over 500 artists and scientists worldwide have already signed the solidarity call Art Against Oppression: Solidarity with Georgia.

Read more: GEORGIAN ARTISTS TARGETED AMID ESCALATING REPRESSION

Names and info of all artists for this moment under the state violence and other materials are collected by Georgian Young Theatre and other colleagues.

 

Iran: Hossein Mohammadi sentenced to 10 Years

Mohammadi was arrested on Nov. 5, 2022, and has been sentenced to execution by the court of the city of Karaj. The death sentence was lifted in January 2023. A new trial in Karaj has now been held to decide on the sentences of 14 accused in connection with the death of a Bassij militiaman. Mohammadi, who has been in custody since November, has now been sentenced to 10 years in prison.
The detention of the accused had initially been justified by their participation in a memorial service for Hadis Najafi, who was killed by Basijis during a demonstration in Karaj at the end of September. Two demonstrators were executed earlier this year as part of the major trial that eventually heard charges of “corruption on earth” and “conspiracy against internal and external security”: Mohammad Mehdi Karami and Seyed Mohammad Hosseini.

Sources: Enthekab.ir, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, ANF news

Iran: 6 Years Prison for Actress Shiva Shabani

Photo of Shiva Shabani: www.radiozamaneh.com/750440/
Photo: www.radiozamaneh.com/750440/

ACAR’S list of arrested Iranian theatre artists grows to 41 names: The revolution court of Tehran has announced 6 years jail sentence for Shiva Shabani, film and theater actress. She was arrested in early November in connection with nationwide protests and released on bail later that month.

Shabani was sentenced to five years for “assembly and collusion against national security” and an additional year for “propaganda against the state”. In addition to the six-year prison sentence, there is a two-year ban on leaving the country, a two-year ban on membership of political organizations, a ban on publishing in print and digital media, and a two-year ban on working in theatre and film.

Sources: HRNA English on Twitter, 2023/01/21radiofarda.com

Updated List of arrested Iranian theatre artists

Stop Executions in Iran!

ACAR shares and supports today’s address of solidarity from the Duesseldorfer Schauspielhaus:  “Actor and artist Hossein Mohammadi was arrested during protests in Iran and sentenced to death in a summary trial. We declare our solidarity with our colleague Hossein Mohammadi and all protesters in Iran. We strongly condemn all human rights violations! We condemn the death penalty!”