Iranian singer released on bail days after arrest during protests

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iranian singer Shervin Hajipour was released on bail on Tuesday, days after his arrest over his song in support of the weeks-long protests in Iran over the death of a young Kurdish woman went viral.

Protests erupted across Iran and around the world over the death of 22-year-old Mahsa (Zhina) Amini in detention on September 16. Hajipour’s song “Baraye” (for/because of) became an anthem of the protests due to its emotional lyrics in support of the movement. 

"Shervin Haji Aghapour has been released on bail so that his case can go through the legal process," Mohammad Karimi, prosecutor of the northern province of Mazandaran told Iran's state media.

The song was initially posted to Instagram, garnering 40 million views in two days across various social media platforms. The post has since been deleted.

Tasnim News Agency, affiliated to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), posted an edited version of his song with the video showing the Islamic republic’s achievements instead of the original clips of police brutality, AFP reported. 

Amini’s death united Iranians from all walks of life in an unprecedented way that has created a serious challenge to the regime in Tehran. Many Iranian celebrities and even officials have criticized the police for their actions but the protests have morphed into a real push for the overthrow of the regime.

About 133 people have died, the Oslo-based Iran Human Rights Organization (IHR) said on Sunday, with hundreds of others wounded and dozens arrested.

By Zheen Saman