The next time Dave Mustaine or some other conservative nutcase wants to accuse Obama of turning the United States into a police state, they should keep this story in mind.

The members of an Iranian metal band, Confess, have been arrested by the Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution as a result of their musical preferences, according to Metal Nation News (by way of Unite Asia). The band members were held at Evinperison from November of last year until just last week, when they were released on bail of 1,000,000,000 Iranian Rial* — more than $33,000 U.S. — and, worse still, allegedly kept in solitary confinement for the duration of that time. They currently face charges of blasphemy, advertising against the system, forming and running an illegal and underground band and recording label in a musical considered to be Satanic, writing lyrics that are anti-religious, atheistic, political, and anarchistic, and granting interviews to forbidden foreign radio stations. These musicians could now be jailed from six months to six years, or even executed if they’re found guilty of the blasphemy charge… which I imagine they will be, based on this song alone:

This is obviously a horrible situation, regardless of whether or not you actually enjoy Confess’ music. Unfortunately, it’s not clear presently what, if anything, the metal community can do to help these guys. That being said, spreading the word and making sure the news gets around should, at the very least, call attention to the situation. I can’t imagine the Iranian government being shamed into dropping the whole thing, but it can’t hurt, right?

Updates as we get them…

*I think. Unite Asia’s English is a little wonky. I apologize in advance if I misunderstood this part of the report.

Thanks to everyone who messaged us about this.