Iranian Rapper Toumaj Salehi Sentenced To D£ath For His Anti Government Stance

A revolutionary court in Isfahan delivered a harsh ruling in reaction to Salehi’s endorsement of the countrywide demonstrations in 2022 that were sparked by the untimely death of Mahsa Amini while under police detention.

Salehi had previously escaped a death sentence after receiving a term of more than six years in jail.

A strong social media movement calling for his freedom and broad international protest have given him 20 days to appeal this conviction.

Salehi was arrested in October 2022, weeks after the death in police custody of Mahsa Amini — detained and reportedly beaten by “morality police” — sparked the nationwide protests. The rapper’s songs of social protest were featured in the demonstrations.

He was sentenced in 2023 to six years and three months in prison, but avoided a death sentence at that point because of a Supreme Court ruling.

But his lawyer Raisian told Sharq, “Branch One of the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan in an unprecedented move, did not enforce the Supreme Court’s ruling…and sentenced Salehi to the harshest punishment.”

Raisian said that “we will definitely appeal this verdict” within the 20 days allowed.

The rapper was released on bail last November 18, after 252 days in prison. However, he was returned to prison 12 days later, following the release of a viral video in which he detailed 12 hours of abuse by almost 60 agents during his initial detention, leaving him unconscious. Salehi’s social media account reported that he suffered “severe damage to the eyes and face” when he was again seized.

In October, Salehi received the 2023 Arts Freedom of Expression Award from Index on Censorship. [CONTINUE READING HERE]