Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi has been sentenced to death for his lyrics about the death of Mahsa Amini and his criticism of the Iranian government. The sentence has drawn international condemnation, with the United States and United Nations experts calling it a sign of Tehran’s continuing crackdown on dissent. Salehi’s lawyer has said he will appeal the sentence.
Toomaj Salehi, 33, was arrested in 2022 after publicly backing the wave of demonstrations triggered by the death in custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini. His music had become part of the anti-regime protests. He was sentenced in 2023 to six years and three months in prison, but avoided a death sentence due to a Supreme Court ruling. However, Branch One of the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan has now sentenced Salehi to the harshest punishment. Salehi has 20 days to appeal the ruling. Iranian officials have labelled the protests “riots” and accused Tehran’s foreign foes of fomenting the unrest. Nine men have been executed in protest-related cases involving killing and other violence against security forces.
Toomaj Salehi, a well-known Iranian rapper who expressed support for anti-government demonstrations, has been sentenced to death by an Iranian court. Salehi’s lawyer criticized the verdict, emphasizing its disregard for the Supreme Court’s instructions and legal inconsistencies.
Toomaj Salehi, a renowned Iranian rapper known for his support of women’s rights and criticism of the government, has been sentenced to death by a revolutionary court in Isfahan. The sentence stems from charges related to the 2022-23 unrest in Iran, where Salehi’s music and public statements expressed solidarity with the protests. Despite initially avoiding a death sentence due to a Supreme Court ruling, Salehi’s case was returned to a lower court and he was subsequently sentenced to six years and three months in prison. However, after publicly discussing torture in prison, Salehi faced new charges and was sentenced to death. The Iranian judiciary has yet to confirm the sentence, and Salehi has 20 days to appeal the ruling.
