Press release dated August 10, 2026
Iran: Death sentence against rapper Mahnam Navab Safavi
The death sentence against 22-year-old rapper Mahnam Navab Safavi is yet another shocking demonstration of the brutality of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He faces charges including »waging war against God«, »propaganda against the regime« and »assembly and collusion against national security«. Safavi was arrested in Isfahan on January 10, 2026, during the nationwide protests.
Safavi is one of many protesters who have been sentenced to death and are facing execution. In light of the massacre taking place in Iranian prisons, one wonders where German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is. At the beginning of the year, the Chancellor declared that the Islamic Republic was living through its »final hours«. Does he still remember those words?
»While the German government remains silent on the human rights situation in Iran and maintains tunnel vision focused on the Strait of Hormuz, the Iranian regime is dramatically intensifying its repression«, said Daniela Sepehri, a member of the PEN Berlin board. »Since the beginning of the year, more than 900 people have been executed, including numerous political prisoners and protesters. More and more death sentences are being handed down.«
At the same time, the Islamic Republic is intruding ever more deeply into the everyday lives of its citizens. In recent weeks, dozens of social media channels have been blocked and their operators forced to sign written declarations of loyalty. Those affected are no longer only political activists or journalists, but also artists, bloggers, tour operators, sports coaches and many others. Vague allegations such as »violating public morality« or »conduct contrary to accepted norms« are once again being used as a pretext. This is a systematic pattern of state control over freedom of expression, culture, economic activity and public space.
PEN Berlin calls on the German government to once again place the human rights situation in Iran firmly on its foreign-policy agenda. »The silence regarding the massive repression, the continuing executions and the systematic persecution of artists, journalists and other critical voices sends a disastrous signal to the regime of terror in Iran«, said Daniela Sepehri.
On September 11, PEN Berlin, in cooperation with the International Literature Festival Berlin, will draw attention to the situation in Iran with a gala. Journalists, artists, writers and politicians will come together at the Haus der Berliner Festspiele from 7:30 p.m. A separate invitation will follow.
PEN Berlin. We stand by our word.