Iran sentences 'Happy' tribute video stars to 6 months in jail, 91 lashes each


In May, police in Tehran arrested seven young Iranians for making a "a vulgar clip which hurt public chastity" and uploading it to YouTube. The clip was them dancing and being goofy to the Pharrell Williams song "Happy," joining people from all over the world in heeding Williams' call to upload video demonstrations of being happy for the U.N.'s International Day of Happiness.
On Wednesday, judges in Tehran sentenced six of the performers to six months in prison and 91 lashes each, and the video's director to a year in jail and 91 lashes. Luckily, their lawyer tells IranWire, the sentences appear to be suspended, meaning the punishments won't be enacted unless the young men and women commit a similar "offense" in the next three years. In three years, the sentence expires.
Why did these young Iranians risk punishment at all? "We wanted to tell the world that the Iranian capital is full of lively young people and change the harsh and rough image that the world sees on the news," Neda said before they were arrested in May. Please watch Neda and the others in their "vulgar clip" below. --Peter Weber
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
Today's political cartoons - March 29, 2025
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - my way or Norway, running orders, and more
By The Week US Published
-
5 tactically sound cartoons about the leaked Signal chat
Cartoons Artists take on the clown signal, baby steps, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Roast lamb shoulder with ginger and fresh turmeric recipe
The Week Recommends Succulent and tender and falls off the bone with ease
By The Week UK Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published