Iran attacks ISIS- with a cartoon contest

Iran launched “The International Daesh Cartoon and Caricature Contest” on May 24, with ISIS as the theme. (Daesh- the Arabic word that ISIS hates, because it removes the connection to Islam.)  The Contest was held in Tehran, with 43 countries participating. The winner is expected to be announced on May 31. The top prize is a whopping $1,500. (Not bad for putting your life at risk).

Notice the Israeli star and blood in the background of this caricature of ISIS leader Al-Baghdadi- entry by Hadi Asadi, Iran

There were two different divisions- cartoons and caricatures. But it wasn’t just about ISIS- it was also aimed at what Iran refers to as “arrogant governments” that give “support” to the Islamic State either directly or indirectly by their actions. they include  Britain, Israel and the United States in that description.

There were few “rules” for the contest, other than some specific categories for caricatures – those categories were: ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, French President François Hollande, British Prime Minister David Cameron or President Barack Obama.

RT wrote,

In an effort to reveal the “evil face” of ISIS and expose the atrocities committed by jihadists, Iran has launched a cartoonist contest, offering awards for the best caricatures mocking the terror group as well as “arrogant” foreign leaders supporting it.

At least 800 entry cartoons from 43 different countries around the world were received by the Iranian House of Cartoon.

Iran has launched cartoon contests before, all of which have been controversial.  In 2013, they hosted one with the theme “Down with America.” Last month it held its 2nd International Holocaust cartoon contest (remember- they are Holocaust deniers).

The field of contestants was narrowed to 250-280, and the winner will be announced tomorrow. One entrant, Robert Edwards was from the UK. Some of his cartoons got him in trouble in the past – he spent nine months in prison in Britain for  “aiding and abetting, counselling and procuring the publication of material likely to incite racial hatred.”

Cartoon and Caricature contest by Iran on Daesh pic.twitter.com/27cU3lUckk

— Raza Hamdani (@hamdani_raza) May 26, 2015

Iran holds anti-ISIS cartoon contest (Taking the war to the next level…) pic.twitter.com/oquQtNaSKg — Negar Mortazavi (@NegarMortazavi) May 26, 2015

More cartoons from anti-#ISIS festival in #Teheran, #Iran. #Daech pic.twitter.com/nTCkjNLqIB

— Breaking3zero U.S (@Breaking3zeroUS) May 26, 2015

#Iran attacks #ISIS & its ‘arrogant supporters’ with caricature competition (IMAGES) — RT News http://t.co/6UTDKi42t5 — Ali Dadpay (@adadpay) May 28, 2015

#Iran has launched an Anti-#ISIS Cartoon Contest! Fighting the terror group with art and creativity. #Daesh pic.twitter.com/GUmSGypDlr

— Ali Dadpay (@adadpay) May 27, 2015

An Iranian cartoon contest lampoons IS, alleged backers (@GEsfandiari) http://t.co/eecaAwe8u0 pic.twitter.com/sMpUq3us3W — RFE/RL (@RFERL) May 27, 2015

The following video is coverage of the event by Iran’s Press TV