Iranian Songwriter Parastoo Ahmadi has Become a Powerful Symbol of the Struggle for Artistic Freedom Around the World

National Music Council, Songwriters Guild of America, and Society of Composers & Lyricists Bring Iran's Violent Repression of Musicians Before Congress
Washington, D.C. — [July 30, 2026] — We applaud the Songwriters Guild of America, the National Music Council of the United States, and the Society of Composers & Lyricists for helping bring attention to her case, and we thank Representative Lloyd Doggett for speaking out in support of Ms. Ahmadi and all creators who face persecution for their work. Together, these organizations and Congressman Doggett have underscored the importance of defending artistic expression and standing with artists whose voices are threatened.
Artists should be free to create, perform, and speak without fear of violence, intimidation, or government repression.