Escalating repression against women in Iran

In the latest crackdown on artistic expression, Iranian security forces have arrested Zara Esmaeili, a young artist whose videos singing in public without hijab, in defiance of the Islamic Republic's rules, went viral.

Esmaeili, known for performing without the mandatory hijab in public spaces like the metro and parks, has been taken into custody, with no information available about her whereabouts or condition. The arrest has left her family in despair as they struggle to ascertain her fate.

A source close to the situation confirmed that “Zara's family has been unable to locate her".

The Islamic Republic prohibits women from singing or dancing in public, reflecting a broader repression against women's rights. These moves, enforced since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, are rooted in conservative interpretations of Islamic law that deem the female singing voice provocative and sexually suggestive.

Despite these restrictions, many women in Iran continue to resist, using social media to share their performances. However, such acts of defiance come with risks.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of escalating repression in Iran, particularly targeting women and artists.