Shervin Hajipour, an acclaimed Iranian singer, composer, and songwriter, revealed in an emotional Instagram video on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, that he has been sentenced to 3 years and 8 months in prison for releasing his song ‘Baraye.’ The verdict has sent shockwaves through the Iranian community, prompting widespread reactions and sympathy on social media.
“Baraye,” which won the Grammy Award for Best Song for Social Change in 2023, has profoundly impacted Shervin’s life and career. Reflecting on his struggles in a note accompanying his latest song “Ashghal,” he wrote: “How many times have I been summoned to court for ‘Baraye’? How long will this fear and uncertainty last?” In his video, he posed further poignant questions: “How else could I have protested? How should I have critiqued the situation? Can criticism be more peaceful and civil than ‘Baraye’? My charge is inciting people to murder and war. Which line or verse of this song incites you to kill?”
A significant issue for Iran’s youth today is the desire to emigrate. Despite this, Shervin firmly reiterates his commitment to remaining in Iran, mirroring the sentiments expressed in “Ashghal”: “Don’t ask me to leave this land. Wherever I go, my heart stays here. I’ll keep my promise. Iran’s son is on his word.” He declared in his video: “In my appeal verdict, it was stated that my travel ban has been lifted. Even if there’s a one percent chance you meant something by such a ruling, I must announce from this platform that I do not plan to leave Iran because my family needs me, and my father has been struggling with an illness. I truly love Iran and don’t want to leave without the intention of returning… I will do my best to stay here. I don’t want to go back to prison. It really upsets me to be treated like a criminal when I haven’t committed any crime… I just want to be allowed to produce and publish my work in my room, like all underground artists.”
Shervin’s unwavering dedication has turned him into a unique and inspiring figure among Iranian youth, embodying resilience and a steadfast love for his homeland despite the tremendous personal cost.