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| Memmed Ansari |
According to Memmed Ansari, some artists in Iranian Azerbaijan care about issues such as human rights, environmental problems, and animal rights, but their ability to act in these areas is limited. In an interview with Voice of America, the Southern Azerbaijani composer and human rights activist evaluated ways to involve artists in human rights activities.
However, he points out that some artists are still managing to take action despite these difficult conditions:
"Especially in recent times, artists have been trying to speak out on certain issues, including the death penalty, environmental matters, and the mother tongue. Some are making films about Lake Urmia or animal rights. We also see artists standing by the families of political prisoners or showing support when they are released."
Memmed Ansari adds, "There are artists who incorporate these topics into their artistic work. However, directly engaging in such activities can be dangerous. For example, musician Hasan Agha Damirchi supports political prisoners, but he himself faces risks."
Drawing attention to the social activism and charity campaigns of artists in Western countries, Ansari highlights that Iranian artists do not have the same level of freedom.
According to the Tabriz-born composer, artists are not completely detached from the social problems faced by their audiences:
"It is not easy to define a mission for artists. However, if an artist is famous, it means they have an audience. In my opinion, it is their duty to at least address the human rights issues faced by their audience. Yes, they are known for their art, but it is because of that audience that they have a platform."
Memmed Ansari believes that both artists and human rights activists must work together to increase the role of artists in promoting human rights.
"We have not been able to present this issue properly, and as a result, we have not achieved the right outcomes. If we strengthen our social organizations and establish a well-structured group working on human rights, it can positively influence others as well. Our organizations are weak not only from a human rights perspective but also politically.
Both artists should search for ways to contribute, and human rights activists must present the issue in such a way that encourages artists to engage in human rights activities willingly," adds the Southern Azerbaijani musician and human rights activist.
Link to the original interview in Turkish on the Azerbaijani section of Voice of America:
Məmməd Ənsari: Hüquq müdafiəçiləri sənətkarları cəlb etməyin yollarını axtarmalıdır