Tag: Khosrow Azarbeyg

World-Traveling Cyclist Khosrow Azarbeyg Arrested in Tehran

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Freedom of Expression, News
Khosrow Azarbeig, Khosrow Azarbeyg, Tehran, World-Traveling Cyclist, خسرو آذربیگ

HRANA News Agency – On Monday, February 17, 2025, security forces in Tehran arrested Khosrow Azarbeyg, a musician and world-traveling cyclist.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, attorney Amir Raeesian stated that Mr. Azarbeyg was detained by security forces on Monday evening while walking on a street in Tehran. His family has been informed that he is facing charges of “insulting Bashar al-Assad.” His current whereabouts remain unknown.

Mr. Azarbeyg had previously been arrested on September 20, 2024, while performing street music in Tehran’s Mellat Park. Security forces confiscated his belongings, and although he was released hours later, a judicial case was opened against him.

He was also briefly detained on January 10, 2024, for playing the daf drum at a metro station in Tehran.

Khosrow Azarbeyg is a cyclist, musician, traveler, documentary filmmaker, and children’s rights activist. He has traveled to more than 40 countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa and has been involved in various initiatives supporting impoverished families in Sistan and Baluchestan, children with autism, and the families of child laborers.

Brief Detention and Legal Case Filed Against Khosrow Azarbeyg for Street Music Performance

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Cultural, Freedom of Expression, News
Khosrow Azarbeyg, Khosrow Azerbeig, Mellat Park, خسرو آذربیگ

Khosrow Azarbeyg, a musician and world-traveling cyclist, was briefly detained by security forces while performing street music in Tehran’s Mellat Park. Although he was released after a few hours, he now faces legal charges.

On Friday, September 20, Azarbeyg was arrested by plainclothes security officers and municipal agents while performing in Mellat Park, with his equipment confiscated. He was released shortly after but now faces ongoing legal proceedings.

In a video statement, Azarbeyg recounted that on Wednesday, September 25, he visited the police station at Mellat Park, where he was subjected to insults and threats. The senior officer demanded he sign a repentance letter. After Azarbeyg refused, the officer threatened to fabricate a separate case with false details to create further problems for him.

Azarbeyg had previously been arrested on January 10, 2024, for playing the daf (a Middle Eastern frame drum) at a Tehran metro station.

A dedicated cyclist, musician, traveler, documentary filmmaker, and child rights activist, Azarbeyg has journeyed through more than 40 countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa. His activism includes extensive support for underprivileged families in Sistan and Baluchestan, autistic children, and the families of child laborers.