Young Iranians Arrested For ‘Happy’ Video Released From Jail
Six young Iranians who were arrested for making a YouTube video of themselves dancing to Pharrell Williams’s “Happy’’ were released on bail Wednesday, CNN reports.
[fragment number=0]
The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran tweeted that the director of the video, however, is still in jail. The others were released on $100,000 bail, USA Today reports.
The video is one of many that have been inspired by Williams’s Oscar-nominated hit song “Happy.’’ Many “Happy’’ videos have been created in cities around the world with people dancing along to the infectious tune.
The Iranian video was a hit on social media sites in the country and inspired other videos, according to the BBC. In the video, the group describes themselves as Williams fans and that “ ‘Happy’ was an excuse to be happy. We enjoyed every second of making it. Hope it puts a smile on your face.’’
The arrests of the six Iranians drew criticism and calls for their release on social media with #FreeHappyIranians. On Tuesday, Williams posted on Facebook, “It is beyond sad that these kids were arrested for trying to spread happiness.’’
[fragment number=1]
On Wednesday Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani appeared to address the case, tweeting “Happiness is our people’s right.
[fragment number=2]
Williams responded to the tweet asking for the release of the group.
[fragment number=3]
According to the Associated Press, Rouhani has taken a moderate stance on the Internet, which is strongly regulated. Websites such as YouTube and Facebook are blocked by censors, but young people in Iran have found ways to work around that.
[fragment number=4]
As Ali Hamedani of the BBC pointed out, the video is “the latest example of young Iranians using the internet to challenge the restrictions on their everyday lives.’’
Here’s the video that got the group in trouble:
[fragment number=5]
The video was uploaded several weeks ago, and Sajedinia confirmed the arrests on state TV late Tuesday in a broadcast that showed the six Iranians with their backs turned and the police chief giving them a stern warning, according to the AP.
[fragment number=6]
In the broadcast, Sajedinia also lectured the group about being deceived by people “under pretexts such as acting or singing.’’
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com