Thread: Happy Dancers in Iran get 6 months and 91 lashes.....Reportedly no longer "Happy"

The six Iranian singers who were arrested for appearing in a viral video dancing to Pharrell Williams’ song “Happy” have been sentenced to six months in prison and 91 lashes.
The group became famous in May when their music video for the hit song circulated on YouTube, racking up more than 150,000 views before attracting the attention of Iranian authorities.
It featured three men and three unveiled women singing and dancing along to the four minute song in the street and rooftops of Tehran, mimicking the style of Pharrell’s official video.
Authorities arrested the group for contravening Iran’s strict vulgarity laws, which prohibit public displays of dancing, and paraded the six on state television, forcing them to express remorse for their behaviour.
The Islamic Republic condemned the video as a “vulgar clip which hurt public chastity” and in a trial on Wednesday sentenced the participants to a suspended sentence of six months in prison.

The director of the video was handed a suspended sentence of one year, while the whole group was told they would receive 91 lashes each.
“A suspended sentence becomes null and void after a certain period of time,” their lawyer, Farshid Rofougaran, told Iran Wire.
“When it’s a suspended sentence, the verdict is not carried out, but if during this period a similar offense is committed, then the accused is subject to legal punishment and the suspended sentence will then be carried out as well.”
Speaking shortly after the group's initial arrest, the brother of one of the video's star told The Telegraph that their confessions on state television were "outrageous".
Siavash Taravati, who lives in the US, said: “The IRIB’s (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) action in showing the “confession” of my sister and her friends (...) is just outrageous.
“Apparently they first arrest people without any charge or civil right to defend themselves, then interrogate them and then make them confess and finally broadcast their show.”
Pharrell Williams responded to Iran’s actions on his Twitter account in May, saying: “It’s beyond sad these kids were arrested for trying to spread happiness.”

Iranians sentenced to 91 lashes for Pharrell 'Happy' video - Telegraph

Originally Posted by Necron99

The six Iranian singers who were arrested for appearing in a viral video dancing to Pharrell Williams’ song “Happy” have been sentenced to six months in prison and 91 lashes.

An obvious lie, and typical of western media coverage of things Iranian. It is a suspended, not actual, sentence- you might say a good behaviour bond, with a considerable penalty for non-compliance. But that doesn't make it good, or anything but stupid.

Also a fairly good example of the cultural and generational struggle going on in modern day Iran, between the increasingly secular, urbanised and generally more affluent younger generation, and the more traditional oldies, urban poor, and rural peasantry. I personally doubt the Mullahs will still be calling the shots in Iran in a generation or so.

Originally Posted by sabang

Originally Posted by Necron99

The six Iranian singers who were arrested for appearing in a viral video dancing to Pharrell Williams’ song “Happy” have been sentenced to six months in prison and 91 lashes.

An obvious lie, and typical of western media coverage of things Iranian. It is a suspended, not actual, sentence- you might say a good behaviour bond, with a considerable penalty for non-compliance. But that doesn't make it good, or anything but stupid.

Also a fairly good example of the cultural and generational struggle going on in modern day Iran, between the increasingly secular, urbanised and generally more affluent younger generation, and the more traditional oldies, urban poor, and rural peasantry. I personally doubt the Mullahs will still be calling the shots in Iran in a generation or so.

Within that said generation [or so], hope that the recycled can retain their traditional Persian culture and character - whatever it may be.

They've retained that throughout recorded history mate. Along with several other 'empire' nations- UK, US, Russia, China, Spain etc, their national & cultural identity & tradition is hardly up for grabs due to technological progress.

Originally Posted by sabang

It is a suspended, not actual, sentence- you might say a good behaviour bond, with a considerable penalty for non-compliance.

Yes 91 lashes in a suspended sentence is just great. Iran is a great society to live in. One more little faux pas and the 91 lashes are carried out.....but Iran is a society so much better than ours.

I hear people are trying desperately to migrate there from all the much less desirable societies of the west where people are allowed to do all kinds of terrible things, like dancing, without the guiding hand of the state apparatus stepping in to mend their ways, with lashes and other disincentives.

But given the official line was that they were duped, how can they be guilty?

In fact, the court found them guilty of "participation in the making of a vulgar clip" and "illegitimate relations between members of the group," according to the nonprofit International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran.

Disgusting behaviour, they should be thrashed to within an inch of their lives, the brazen harlots.

Iranian 'Happy' Dancers Each Get 'Suspended Sentence' of Prison Time, 91 Lashes

I hereby sentence the judges who gave them that sentence to participate in the entire Brazilian Carnivale next year. Not suspended.

I wonder of people in power in Iran suffer more cancers in the rectal region than Westerners?

Perhaps the participation of the 'West' in the events that lead to the Iranian revolution, and those things that make them define their 'Persianness' (most of whom belong to the Revolutionary generation) in such direct opposition to western values, and methodologies. This might be a reasonable academic topic of merit?

Originally Posted by sabang

and those things that make them define their 'Persianness' in such direct opposition to western values

like what for example?

Exactly the US helped in overthrowing the Shah and thus you have modern day Iran, as always with US foreign policy they meddle in others affairs and you end up with something ten times worse than before. How's Libya looking today?

Originally Posted by buriramboy

Exactly the US helped in overthrowing the Shah and thus you have modern day Iran, as always with US foreign policy they meddle in others affairs and you end up with something ten times worse than before. How's Libya looking today?

Are you fucking mental or something?

The US helped overthrow the Shah?

Did you go to comprehensive school or something, because your history is fucking shite.

Oh, I forgot. You believe all that 9/11 conspiracy shit.

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

Originally Posted by buriramboy

Exactly the US helped in overthrowing the Shah and thus you have modern day Iran, as always with US foreign policy they meddle in others affairs and you end up with something ten times worse than before. How's Libya looking today?

Are you fucking mental or something?

The US helped overthrow the Shah?

Did you go to comprehensive school or something, because your history is fucking shite.

Private school thanks and my history is just fine thanks.

American and Internal Negotiations with the opposition[edit]

The Carter Administration increasingly became locked in a debate about continued support for the monarchy.[126] As early as November, ambassador William Sullivan sent a telegram to Carter ([126] the "Thinking the Unthinkable" telegram). The telegram effectively declared his belief that the Shah would not survive the protests, and that the US should consider withdrawing its support for his government and persuading the monarch to abdicate. The United States would then help assemble a coalition of pro-Western military officers, middle class professionals, and moderate clergy, with Khomeini installed as a Gandhi-like spiritual leader.[126]

The telegram touched off a vigorous debate in the American cabinet, with some (such as National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski [126]) rejecting it outright. Secretary of State Cyrus Vance rejected a military crackdown;[94] he and his supporters believed in the "moderate and progressive" intentions of Khomeini and his circle.[104][126]

Increasing contact was established with pro-Khomeini camp. Based on the revolutionaries responses, some American officials (especially Ambassador Sullivan) felt that Khomeini was genuinely intent on creating a democracy.[15] According to historian Abbas Milani, this resulted in the United States effectively helping to facilitate Khomeini's rise to power.[15]

Iranian Revolution - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

So how's your history Harry?

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

Oh, I forgot. You believe all that 9/11 conspiracy shit.

You must have me mixed up with someone else there.

I believe the lashes are suspended too barb. I think it's a barbaric sentence anyway- I wonder what a Gogo dancer might get in Iran?

Originally Posted by sabang

I wonder what a Gogo dancer might get in Iran?

4" inches mullah fury.... then the lashes.....

And some stale custard.

Originally Posted by sabang

They've retained that throughout recorded history mate. Along with several other 'empire' nations- UK, US, Russia, China, Spain etc, their national & cultural identity & tradition is hardly up for grabs due to technological progress.

Originally Posted by sabang

I personally doubt the Mullahs will still be calling the shots in Iran in a generation or so.

So you think that Iran will change soon and you also think that Iran will not change soon .

Originally Posted by buriramboy

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

Originally Posted by buriramboy

Exactly the US helped in overthrowing the Shah and thus you have modern day Iran, as always with US foreign policy they meddle in others affairs and you end up with something ten times worse than before. How's Libya looking today?

Are you fucking mental or something?

The US helped overthrow the Shah?

Did you go to comprehensive school or something, because your history is fucking shite.

Private school thanks and my history is just fine thanks.

American and Internal Negotiations with the opposition[edit]

The Carter Administration increasingly became locked in a debate about continued support for the monarchy.[126] As early as November, ambassador William Sullivan sent a telegram to Carter ([126] the "Thinking the Unthinkable" telegram). The telegram effectively declared his belief that the Shah would not survive the protests, and that the US should consider withdrawing its support for his government and persuading the monarch to abdicate. The United States would then help assemble a coalition of pro-Western military officers, middle class professionals, and moderate clergy, with Khomeini installed as a Gandhi-like spiritual leader.[126]

The telegram touched off a vigorous debate in the American cabinet, with some (such as National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski [126]) rejecting it outright. Secretary of State Cyrus Vance rejected a military crackdown;[94] he and his supporters believed in the "moderate and progressive" intentions of Khomeini and his circle.[104][126]

Increasing contact was established with pro-Khomeini camp. Based on the revolutionaries responses, some American officials (especially Ambassador Sullivan) felt that Khomeini was genuinely intent on creating a democracy.[15] According to historian Abbas Milani, this resulted in the United States effectively helping to facilitate Khomeini's rise to power.[15]

Iranian Revolution - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

So how's your history Harry?

Your comments are taken out of context. The Shah's regime was one of brutality and was in a state of collapse, propped up only through state sanctioned violence against the people. The USA could not support the Shah's regime as it was contrary to the principles the USA espoused. The USA did not overthrow the Shah. Rather, it made the morally correct decision not to support a dictator whose regime was doomed.

Originally Posted by Looper

Originally Posted by sabang

and those things that make them define their 'Persianness' in such direct opposition to western values

like what for example?

^ so what? It's some shiite festival- most urban & middle classed Iranians think it's a bit weird too, the lengths some of these religious people go to. Would you prefer it with real blood? Funny they don't get 90 lashes (suspended) though.

Originally Posted by zygote1

Originally Posted by buriramboy

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

Originally Posted by buriramboy

Exactly the US helped in overthrowing the Shah and thus you have modern day Iran, as always with US foreign policy they meddle in others affairs and you end up with something ten times worse than before. How's Libya looking today?

Are you fucking mental or something?

The US helped overthrow the Shah?

Did you go to comprehensive school or something, because your history is fucking shite.

Private school thanks and my history is just fine thanks.

American and Internal Negotiations with the opposition[edit]

The Carter Administration increasingly became locked in a debate about continued support for the monarchy.[126] As early as November, ambassador William Sullivan sent a telegram to Carter ([126] the "Thinking the Unthinkable" telegram). The telegram effectively declared his belief that the Shah would not survive the protests, and that the US should consider withdrawing its support for his government and persuading the monarch to abdicate. The United States would then help assemble a coalition of pro-Western military officers, middle class professionals, and moderate clergy, with Khomeini installed as a Gandhi-like spiritual leader.[126]

The telegram touched off a vigorous debate in the American cabinet, with some (such as National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski [126]) rejecting it outright. Secretary of State Cyrus Vance rejected a military crackdown;[94] he and his supporters believed in the "moderate and progressive" intentions of Khomeini and his circle.[104][126]

Increasing contact was established with pro-Khomeini camp. Based on the revolutionaries responses, some American officials (especially Ambassador Sullivan) felt that Khomeini was genuinely intent on creating a democracy.[15] According to historian Abbas Milani, this resulted in the United States effectively helping to facilitate Khomeini's rise to power.[15]

Iranian Revolution - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

So how's your history Harry?

Your comments are taken out of context. The Shah's regime was one of brutality and was in a state of collapse, propped up only through state sanctioned violence against the people. The USA could not support the Shah's regime as it was contrary to the principles the USA espoused. The USA did not overthrow the Shah. Rather, it made the morally correct decision not to support a dictator whose regime was doomed.

I didn't say the US overthrew the Shah, I said it 'helped' overthrow the Shah and the Iranians ended up with something ten times worse than they had under the Shah, in fact I'm pretty sure I said that quite clearly so my comments couldn't be taken out of context.