Some worrying news coming out of Iran, as we find out that members from metal band “Confess” may face execution for making their music.
Two of the members, Nikan Siyanor Khosravi, 23, and Khosravi Arash “Chemical— Ilkhani, 21 were arrested back in November 2015, and spent several months in solitary confinement for charges of blasphemy; advertising against the system; forming and running an illegal and underground band and record label; writing anti-religious, atheistic, political and anarchistic lyrics; and interviewing with forbidden foreign radio stations.
Although they’ve been released on bail they still have to fight the charges, because being accused and convicted of blasphemy carries a death sentence in this inherently religious country.
Whilst the Iranian government has seized most of their social media accounts their official Facebook page appears to still be up and running, with fans and metalheads leaving messages of support for them.
A petition has been started to force the UN to intervene as this contravenes their right to free speech, and as I write just needs just another 1652 signatures to reach the goal of 10k.
Come on, metal brothers and sisters, and get involved! Sign the petition here: #FreeConfess
You can listen to a mix of their music here while you spread the message.
