Composer and protest artist Parsa Moslehifard sentenced to one year in prison in Tehran

Hengaw – Monday, August 17, 2026

Parsa Moslehifard, a 26-year-old composer, artist and former political prisoner based in Tehran, has been sentenced to one year in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the state.”

According to information obtained by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Moslehifard announced the sentence on his personal Instagram account on August 17, 2026, his birthday. He said the conviction stemmed from his public statements, artistic performances and activities in support of the 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement and the January 2026 protests.

The activities cited in his case include protest performances focusing on freedom, opposition to the death penalty and commemorating protesters killed during demonstrations. Among them were a recitation of the poem “Qasamnameh” in front of Tehran’s Azadi Tower on the anniversary of Jina Amini’s death, as well as performances titled “Azadi,” “No to Execution” and “Tehran Alone.” He also published an image of Nika Shakarami on International Women’s Day.

Moslehifard’s electronic devices and professional equipment remain confiscated by security authorities, while his mobile phone SIM card has also been blocked.