The Iranian Rapper Toomaj Salehi was sentenced to death, early this week as he released music, which was critical of the government and showed support to the protests of 2022 in Iran.
“An order for the execution of Toomaj Salehi has been issued,” confirmed Amir Raesian, Salehi’s lawyer on Twitter. Raesin plans to get the sentence appealed which might lead to the reduction of this case.
Toomaj Salehi was arrested in October 2022 amid the chaos that got ignited due to the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old who was allegedly arrested by the molarity police of Iran and later passed away in the custody itself. The police charged Salehi with “spreading corruption on earth,” which is a punishable and a death penalty offense, as he released music that was critical of the government and also asked his fans to join him in this journey, through social media.
Toomaj Salehi’s Receive Support And Condemnation Over His Arrest From The Office Of U.S. Envoy to Iran
Certain allegations emerged after the rapper’s arrest. The allegations were about Salehi being tortured and held in solitary confinement. Certain U.N. experts mentioned that the rapper was seen with a broken nose, damaged legs, and several broken fingers. There were also certain rumors that his hearing at courts took place behind closed doors without the presence of his lawyer.
Back in July 2023, a lower court of the city of Isfahan sentenced Salehi to over six years of jail and he was also banned from creating music or even singing for 2 years. However, in November, Salehi was released on bail, thanks to Iran’s Supreme Court, which found flaws in the original statement. Nonetheless, he got arrested again just two weeks later getting bailed.
“We strongly condemn Toomaj Salehi’s death sentence, we call for their immediate release. These are the latest examples of the regime’s brutal abuse of its citizens, disregard for human rights, and fear of the democratic change the Iranian people seek.” said the office of U.S. Envoy to Iran.
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