[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E704]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





             CONDEMNING THE VIOLENT REPRESSION OF MUSICIANS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LLOYD DOGGETT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 20, 2026

  Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to condemn the violent repression of 
musicians. As Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Musicians' Caucus, 
I express my profound concern regarding reports that Iranian singer 
Parastoo Ahmadi has been sentenced by that nation to public flogging 
for appearing in a musical performance without adhering to government-
imposed dress requirements. Reports indicate that her offense was not 
violence, incitement, but rather the act of artistic expression itself.
  The Congressional Musicians' Caucus was established to recognize the 
vital role that music and musicians play in enriching societies, 
strengthening cultures, and advancing mutual understanding. While 
members of Congress may hold differing views on many international 
issues, we can stand together in support of the principle that creators 
should never face physical punishment, imprisonment, or violence for 
creating and sharing their artistic works.
  History offers far too many examples of governments seeking to 
silence musicians, songwriters, composers, and poets whose voices 
resonate with the public. Authoritarian regimes have often viewed 
artists as threats precisely because music and creative expression have 
the unique power to inspire, unite, and give voice to the aspirations 
of ordinary people. Efforts to intimidate artists through violence are 
not merely attacks on individuals; they are attacks on cultural 
expression itself.
  From the persecution of Chilean songwriter Victor Jara during the 
dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet, to the denunciation and censorship of 
Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich under the Soviet regime, to the 
repeated imprisonment and violent targeting of Nigerian musician Fela 
Kuti for criticizing military rule, history demonstrates that the 
suppression of artistic voices is often an early warning sign of 
broader assaults on fundamental freedoms. The international community 
should never become indifferent to such actions.
  I recognize and appreciate the efforts of organizations such as the 
National Music Council of the United States, the Songwriters Guild of 
America, the Society of Composers & Lyricists, and others that continue 
to draw attention to cases in which musicians and music creators face 
persecution because of their artistic work. Bringing these incidents 
into public view helps ensure that such abuses do not occur unnoticed.
  I affirm my support for the freedom of artistic expression and my 
opposition to the use of violence, intimidation, or physical punishment 
against musicians, composers, songwriters, poets, and other creators. 
Regardless of nationality, ideology, religion, or political viewpoint, 
artists should be free to create and perform without fear of physical 
retaliation from their governments.
  I stand in solidarity with artists everywhere whose non-violent, 
creative voices are threatened by repression and in the hope that 
cultural expression may continue to serve as a bridge between peoples 
rather than a basis for punishment.

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