Jill Biden Presented a Grammy to an Iranian Musician – Now He is in Prison

Shervin Hajipour is an Iranian pop star who wrote a Grammy Award-winning anti-regime protest anthem. The 27-year-old has been jailed and ordered to write a new song.

He has been ordered to write an anti-American song. Hahipour’s song won a Grammy, presented in absentia by Jill Biden. (Democrats are invited to participate in award shows.) The song tells the story of Mahsa Amini, the 22-year-old Iranian woman who was beaten and jailed for not wearing a hijab. She died in jail from injuries she received when she was arrested. The song has become the anthem of Iran’s nationwide protests. It is titled “Baraye”, or “For” in English.

On Friday, the day of elections in Iran, Hajipour’s sentence of three years and eight months in prison was announced. He was charged with ‘inciting unrest against national security’, ‘spreading propaganda against the system’, and ‘encouraging people to protest’. He must write a new song to criticize the ‘USA’s atrocities against humanity.’ 

#Iran: “Shervin Hajipour’s sentencing is another awful attempt to suppress the independent voices who channel the demands of the Iranian people for basic freedoms.” – Julie Trébault, ARC director

Read our full statement: https://t.co/XsdUubtbA0 #Baraye pic.twitter.com/UEehXjbZq3

— ARC (Artists at Risk Connection) (@AtRiskArtists) March 1, 2024

In a lengthy statement, PEN America is calling for his immediate release. 

“Shervin Hajipour’s sentencing is another awful attempt to suppress the independent voices who channel the demands of the Iranian people for basic freedoms. The Iranian government is attempting to silence a powerful movement spearheaded by musicians who believe in freedom and women’s rights,” said Julie Trébault, director of Artists at Risk Connection. “The Iranian government fears the power of music to give hope and inspire citizens to dream of a better and more equitable future for all.”

He posted a photograph of the verdict on his Instagram account. He thanked his lawyers and management team. He released another controversial song last month.

The northern Iran resident released yet another controversial song and music video last month, referencing his recent run-ins with authorities, with lyrics indicating that he’s the “trash who didn’t have anyone to post bail for him,” and that even though he’s “not allowed to sing (in public)” he is the “trash that will stay in Iran to rebuild this city” and never leave the country.

The Iranian regime chose to release this information about Shervin Hajipour on election day. It was meant to intimidate those inclined to protest for freedom. Voter turnout was low. The protests are said to be a factor that united some voters to not go to vote.