Artists persevere in Iraq despite death threats
Iraqi artists of all stripes face pressures from religious extremists but they refuse to be cowed and continue holding cultural events.
A recent open-air fashion show in Basra raised the ire of some clerics and Islamist groups. Afterward, residents felt the wrath of one cleric in particular who blamed them for not stopping the show and called their lack of action shameful. He also criticized the state for protecting “this debauchery.”
The administrative committee of the Artists’ Union in Basra had already called June 10 for a halt to all singing and musical activities in the entire province, due to death threats by extremist groups.
In Kirkuk province to the north, members of the heavy metal band Dark Phantom sometimes have a tough time during their concerts and even in their daily lives. In September, one of the members told Fanack music news website, “We have been attacked many times by mosques and on Facebook.” It probably doesn't help that their music addresses religious and political corruption.
Craftsmen who make musical instruments told Nas news in April about the harassment they face. One said, “The religious [people] don't like our work.”
