Freedom of speech supporters aren’t the only ones hosting cartoon drawing contests to draw attention to the lunacy of radical Islam as Iran this week launched an anti-ISIS cartoon competition, inviting submissions from around the world which mock the militant group and the atrocities it has become known for.
Selected works will be displayed at four cultural centers around Tehran, while the winner will be announced on May 31st.
Iran’s government controlled IRNA news agency reported that artists were briefed by Iran’s House of Cartoon to ensure a focus on “the crimes committed by the Islamic State”.
Mohammad Habibi, leader of the contest, reported that 280 works had been selected from 800 submissions. Entries came from around the world including Brazil, Australia and Indonesia. Over 40 countries had artists submit works.
Mr Habibi told the Tehran Times that while some foreign artists were attending, sanction against Iran combined with security concerns meant most were unable to attend in person. Those who did make the visit had to travel under assumed identities.
He said to Iran’s Press TV: “Nowadays everyone around the world knows about the parasite by the name of Isis and what crimes they have committed against humanity and art and culture. Artists now have the duty to raise public awareness about this group by participating in such events.”
Graphic artist Massoud Shoajaei Tabatabaii, a leading contestant, told Press TV the contest was being held “in order to reveal the true nature of Daesh” (the derogatory Arabic name for ISIS). “Daesh tries to associate itself with Islam but in essence it has no idea about Islam.”
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