From Munawar Faruqui to Jafar Panahi: 8 Artists who were jailed worldwide

Jafar Panahi

Jafar Panahi, an Iranian filmmaker, has a history of being penalized by the authorities for his art. He was also barred from making films for years at a time.  He was convicted for propaganda against the system. and speaking out against the ill treatment of women in Iran.

Alexandra Skochilenko

Alexandra Skochilenko was arrested in her native St. Petersburg in April 2022. She replaced five supermarket price tags with criticism of Russia’s war in Ukraine and was jailed for opposing President Vladimir Putin.

Ai Weiwei

In 2011, Ai Weiwei was arrested at Beijing Capital International Airport on April 3 for economic crimes. He was detained for 81 days without charge for speaking out against unjust political and social scenarios.

Munawar Faruqui

Famous comedian Munawar Faruqui was arrested for allegedly making humurous remarks aimed at Hindu deities. The comedian was arrested only on the basis of claims made by a Hindutva vigilante group.

Nilim Mahanta and E Mili

Activist Nilim Mahanta and advocate E Mili were arrested for defacing an artwork on the boundary wall by drawing a resistance logo on it and writing ‘No More Dams’ with black paint, which sparked protests in Arunachal Pradesh. 

Aseem Trivedi

Aseem Trivedi is an Indian cartoonist who was charged with sedition in 2012 when he made cartoons highlighting the corruption among Indias political elite.

Shervin Hajipour

Shervin Hajipour is a singer who was arrested on charges of inciting people to riot over the Mahsa Amini protest anthem. 

Dhondup Wangchen and Jiame Gyatso

In 2009, Dhondup Wangchen and Jiame Gyatso were arrested in China for their film on Tibet and its unjust treatment at the hands of Chinese authorities.