The news of Iraqi TikTok star Om Fahad, whose real name is Ghufran Sawadi, being shot dead in Baghdad is truly tragic and disheartening. It is reported that she was attacked by a lone person on a motorbike, pretending to be a food delivery person. Another woman was also injured in this cowardly act of violence. Fahad gained fame on TikTok for sharing videos of herself dancing to pop music, which earned her a considerable following. However, her success and freedom of expression were met with backlash, leading to her imprisonment for sharing videos deemed to undermine “modesty and public morality.”… Continue reading
Iran’s recent decision to hand a death sentence to talented rap artist Toomaj Salehi for his protest songs is a dark and disheartening reflection of the oppressive regime that currently governs the country. Salehi, known for his outspoken criticism of Iran’s Islamic leadership, was arrested during the nationwide protests sparked by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini in custody. A 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman, Amini faced repercussions from the morality police for allegedly not adhering to strict Islamic dress codes. Salehi’s music and online posts boldly challenged the existing power structure, advocating for change and amplifying the voices of the marginalized in Iranian society.… Continue reading
Russian Girl Jailed for Wearing Rainbow-Colored Earrings
I recently came across a distressing news article about a young Russian girl who was jailed for wearing rainbow-colored earrings. Yes, you read that right. Wearing a simple accessory led to her arrest and detention. This incident speaks volumes about the state of human rights and freedom of expression in Russia, highlighting the oppressive regime that currently governs the country.
The girl, who remains unidentified, was accused of publicly displaying “the symbol of an extremist organization.” This accusation alone is absurd and shows how arbitrary the authorities’ actions can be. It is deeply disturbing to witness how a harmless act of self-expression can be seen as a threat by those in power.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker