Well, this is no good.
Two Iranian music journalists were arrested in Tehran, Iran’s capital, about a month ago and are currently being detained at an undisclosed location. The official reason: they’re officially not telling. Speculation is rampant that these arrests were part of a larger crackdown on opposition and independent journalists, students, protesters, and human rights activists, put into effect after Iran was shaken by protests following the disputed June 2009 presidential election. Many of the people who were released from custody reported torture and abuse.
Behrang Tonekaboni and Kayvan Farzin of the monthly music journal Farhang va Ahang are in custody, along with Behrang’s mother Lily Farhadpour, a journalist and a member of Iranian NGO Mothers for Peace. Behrang has asthma and a heart condition, so it is vital that he receives proper treatment and medical care.
I’m a big believer in the importance of a community to take care of its own. We’re all music fans, right? Otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this site. And all of us here at Tiny Mix Tapes to one degree or another are involved with journalism. So please, take a minute of your time, sign Amnesty International’s petition for their safe release, and tell your friends that our fellow music lovers in Iran could use their help.
