Iranian Rapper Toomaj Salehi Faces Death Sentence for Protest Songs
An Iranian court has handed down a death sentence to Toomaj Salehi, a well-known rapper, who was detained for over a year for expressing solidarity with nationwide protests triggered by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, reports claimed.
Toomaj Salehi, aged 33, was arrested in October 2022 for publicly supporting the protests that erupted following the death of Mahsa Amini. Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurd, died while in custody over an alleged violation of the country's strict dress code for women.
Legal proceedings
The Isfahan Revolutionary Court, in an unprecedented move, sentenced Salehi to death on charges of "corruption on Earth", as stated by his lawyer, Amir Raisian.
The Islamic Republic has sentenced Toomaj Salehi, a people's singer, to death for singing protest songs and reflecting the voice of the Iranian people.
— Hossein Ronaghi (@HosseinRonaghi) April 24, 2024
Today, tonight, and until Toomaj's freedom, we shout the name Toomaj Salehi as one voice.#ToomajSalehi#FreeToomaj pic.twitter.com/6XceYhrtd7
Despite a ruling from the Supreme Court to review the case and rectify any flaws in the sentence, the Revolutionary Court proceeded with the death penalty.
Charges against Salehi
The Revolutionary Court accused Salehi of various offenses, including assisting in sedition, inciting assembly and collusion, propagating against the system, and advocating for riots.
Aftermath of protests
The protests that ensued after Amini's death resulted in months of unrest, with numerous casualties, including fatalities among both protesters and security personnel. Iranian authorities labeled the demonstrations as "riots" and attributed them to foreign interference.
Salehi's sentencing reflects the Iranian government's strict stance against dissent and opposition. As the case unfolds, it underscores broader issues of freedom of expression and human rights in Iran, drawing international attention and condemnation.
Appeal plans
Salehi's lawyer expressed intentions to appeal against the sentence, citing legal conflicts and contradictions with the Supreme Court's ruling. The defense contends that the verdict lacks clarity and fairness, raising concerns about judicial independence.