Reza Shajarian, iconic Iranian musician who backed protests, dies at 80

Renowned Iranian singer Mohammad Reza Shajarian, who enthralled millions of fans of Persian music for decades, died from cancer. He was 80. In 2009, Shajarian surprised fans and politicians alike after he backed a protest movement that was triggered by a disputed election. Following this, the Iranian government led by then-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told state radio to stop playing his songs.