Saman Yasin, a Kurdish Rapper, Sentenced to Death by the Islamic Republic
#SamanYasin # سامان_یاسین
#MahsaAmini #مهسا_امینی #IranRevolution #IranRevolution2022
Saman Yasin, a 27-year-old Kurdish rapper, was violently arrested at his home by the regime’s security forces in early October, just a short few weeks after protests broke out to mourn the death of Mahsa Amini. Yasin, a well-known rapper in Kermanshah, publicly objected to the regime’s brutal treatment of its own people and wrote messages in support of protesters. He has been a vocal artist concerned with social issues and used his music to rap about inequality, oppression, and unemployment.
On October 29, Yasin sat at a trial without having access to his lawyer and was immediately charged with moharebeh (enmity against God), which is a capital crime and punishable by execution. His social media posts in support of protesters have been used as evidence that he waged war against God. The Hengaw Organization for Human Rights warned that high-profile individuals like Yasin could face disproportionate punishment in order to scare protesters, especially youth oppositions, into submission. Saman Yasin has not had any contact with his family since October 17, and the lawyer has not been given access to his case by the authorities. While his family has been forced into silence by the regime, the public has created a petition to save his life which was signed by thousands of people in a matter of a few days.
Shortly after Yasin was sentenced to death, 227 of the 290 members of the Iranian Parliament signed an open letter and urged the justice department to give stricter penalties to protesters to "serve as a good lesson in the shortest possible time.” Yasin is among over 16,000 detainees who could be executed as part of the regime’s brutal way to repress the nationwide protests. In an interview with Newsweek, Kurdish journalist Kaveh Ghoreishi explained how the harsh treatment of prominent artists like Yasin and Salehi could backfire and intensify the protests which are largely led by the youth. In addition, Yasin is a proud Kurd who performs his music in the local Kalhori dialect. “We know the government easily kills people and directly sentences the detainees to death. Saman Yasin is in serious danger and we should be his voice.” told by Soma Rostami, a member of the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights.
Other References:
Guardian: Rapper who protested over death of Mahsa Amini faces execution in Iran
Newsweek: Saman Yasin Petition Signed by Thousands as Rapper Faces Execution in Iran