Iranian security forces killed at least 21 artists and cultural workers during a month-long crackdown on nationwide protests that began January 8, 2026. The deaths occurred across multiple cities as government forces opened fire on demonstrators, turning what Amnesty International called "the deadliest period of repression by the Iranian authorities in decades" into a systematic killing of photographers, musicians, actors, and filmmakers alongside thousands of other civilians.
Bi-2, a Russian-Belarusian anti-war rock band, was detained in Thailand in January 2024 for alleged visa violations after concert organizers claimed proper permits were secured. Accusations of Russian consular interference led to global advocacy from Amnesty and Human Rights Watch, resulting in the band’s release to Israel. Their case exposes new realities of transnational repression facing artists.
