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 countrys strict dress code for women.The Islamic Republic has sentenced Toomaj Salehi, a peoples singer, to death for singing protest songs and reflecting the voice of the Iranian people.Today, tonight, and until Toomajs freedom, we shout the name Toomaj Salehi as one voice.#ToomajSalehi#FreeToomaj pic.twitter.com/6XceYhrtd7— Hossein Ronaghi (@HosseinRonaghi) April 24, 2024Legal proceedingsThe Isfahan Revolutionary Court, in an unprecedented move, sentenced Salehi to death on charges of corruption on Earth, as stated by his lawyer, Amir Raisian. 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.Appeal plansSalehis lawyer expressed intentions to appeal against the sentence, citing legal conflicts and contradictions with the Supreme Courts ruling. The defense contends that the verdict lacks clarity and fairness, raising concerns about judicial independence.Charges against SalehiThe 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 protestsThe protests that ensued after Aminis 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.Salehis sentencing reflects the Iranian governments 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.
