Iranian Supreme Court Overturns Death Sentence of Rapper Toomaj Salehi
The Iranian Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence of famous rapper Toomaj Salehi, who has been imprisoned for more than a year and a half due to his support for the 2022 protest movement. His lawyer, Me Amir Raïssian, announced this significant development on Saturday via X, stating that the case will be referred to a similar court for further proceedings.
Support for Mahsa Amini and the 2022 Protests
Toomaj Salehi, a 33-year-old singer, was initially sentenced to death in April 2024 for “corruption on Earth,” one of the most severe charges in Iran. He had actively supported the protest movement triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini on September 16, 2022. Amini, a young Iranian Kurd, died in detention after being arrested for violating Iran's strict dress code for women. Through his songs and social media presence, Salehi became a symbol of resistance against the regime.
International Support and Consequences of the Protests
Iranian justice accused Salehi of “incitement to sedition, assembly, conspiracy, propaganda against the system, and calling for riots,” according to his lawyer. Despite these accusations, foreign artists and numerous supporters rallied behind him. The 2022 protests resulted in several hundred deaths, including members of the security forces, and thousands of arrests. NGOs reported that nine people were executed in connection with these protests.
- The annulment of Toomaj Salehi's death sentence marks a significant moment in Iran's judicial history, especially given the harsh penalties typically imposed on dissenters.
- Salehi's case has drawn international attention, highlighting the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression and human rights in Iran.
- The death of Mahsa Amini and the subsequent protests have had a lasting impact on Iranian society, bringing global awareness to the country's strict regulations and the harsh treatment of those who oppose them.
- The future proceedings in Salehi's case will be closely watched by both national and international observers, as they may set a precedent for similar cases in the future.
