Dear John

Two years ago, the world was shocked by the death of Mahsa (Jina) Amini while in police custody. Her murder was a reminder of the brutal side of Iran, as was the crushing of dissent that followed. Despite the crackdown, people did - and still do - resist, often taking great personal risks in their quest to improve the rights landscape of Iran. Index on Censorship celebrates these dissidents and so, as we remember Amini almost two years to the day of her death, we want to spotlight them too.

Film Screening

Join us for a film screening of Jafar Panahi's Cannes-award winning '3 Faces' (2018) made while under a 20-year filmmaking ban, and forbidden from leaving Iran, followed by a panel discussion with Professor Shohini Chaudhuri, an expert in world cinema from the University of Essex, and writer Malu Halasa who is editor of 'Woman, Life, Freedom' (Saqi).

#FreeToomaj

There will be live performance by Roshi Nasehi of Toomaj Salehi's music. Arrested, detained and imprisoned for his solidarity with Iranian women who courageously took to the streets in Iran after the death of Mahsa Amini, Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi was tortured, released, rearrested and sentenced to death for his lyrics supporting anti-government protests and advocating for women’s rights. Although the death sentence has since been overturned, he remains in prison. Index continues to campaign for his release.

We can't wait for you to join us at Colours Hoxton (Hoxton Square, N1 6NU) on Tuesday 17 September.

Best wishes,

Index on Censorship
 

With thanks to Colours Hoxton (venue partner)

With thanks to Sage (magazine sponsor)