Rep. Lloyd Doggett Condemns Violent Repression of Musicians, Highlights Iranian Singer's Case
Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Musicians’ Caucus, has issued a statement condemning the violent repression of musicians, specifically highlighting the case of Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi. Ahmadi has been sentenced to public flogging for performing without adhering to government-imposed dress codes. Doggett's statement, entered into the Congressional Record on July 20, 2026, underscores the importance of artistic freedom and condemns the use of physical punishment against artists. The Society of Composers & Lyricists has expressed support for Doggett's statement, emphasizing the need for musicians and creators to perform without fear of government retaliation. Doggett also referenced historical instances of artistic repression, such as the persecution of Chilean songwriter Víctor Jara and the censorship of Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich, to illustrate the broader implications of such actions.