Call from heart of Iranian arts condemning violence
A coalition of Iranian cinematic, theatrical, and musical guilds has issued an open letter to artists worldwide, condemning the ongoing military actions against Iran initiated by the United States and Israel on February 28.
The letter, addressed to artists, intellectuals, and peace advocates globally, frames the conflict as a broader struggle against imperial ambitions and a violation of international norms, IRNA reported.
The Iranian guilds, representing filmmakers, theater professionals, and musicians, draw parallels between historical empires and contemporary geopolitics. They emphasize Iran’s historical significance as a cradle of civilization, citing its role in developing early forms of governance and drafting a precursor to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The letter condemns the military actions as unwarranted and lacking legal justification, accusing the United States and Israel of redefining military targets to include schools, hospitals, and cultural sites.
It poignantly questions the definition of “humanity” and “crime” in the context of the deaths of schoolchildren.
The guilds are calling on artists worldwide to take action, warning that inaction will have dire consequences. They urge a global response to defend the vulnerable and prevent further escalation. The letter seeks to galvanize international support and raise awareness of the situation in Iran, framing it as a challenge to universal values and a threat to global peace.
The Iranian cultural community hopes to break through the perceived silence and bring attention to the human cost of the conflict.