Isfahan, Iran – An Iranian dissident rapper, Toomaj Salehi, has been sentenced to death by an Iranian court, sparking criticism from United Nations human rights officials. Salehi, who has been in jail for supporting protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, was convicted by Branch 1 of Isfahan Revolutionary Court on the charge of corruption on Earth, as reported by the artist’s lawyer, Amir Raisian. Despite confirmation of the death sentence by Iran’s judiciary, Salehi is eligible for a sentence reduction.
The rapper, aged 33, was arrested in October 2022 after publicly endorsing demonstrations triggered by the death of Amini in custody, leading to months of unrest resulting in numerous casualties and arrests. Accused by the Revolutionary Court of various offenses including assistance in sedition, assembly, collusion, propaganda against the system, and inciting riots, Salehi’s case has drawn international attention and condemnation.
U.N. human rights officials have demanded Salehi’s immediate release and urged Iranian authorities to reconsider the sentence, highlighting the importance of protecting freedom of expression and artistic creativity. Despite a review by the nation’s Supreme Court and a ruling to correct flaws in the sentence, the lower court deviated from the Supreme Court’s directive, prompting intentions to appeal the decision by Salehi and his lawyer.
Raisian has cited legal conflicts in the court’s verdict, emphasizing the discrepancy with the Supreme Court’s ruling as a pivotal concern. Additionally, nine individuals have faced execution in protest-related cases involving violence against security forces. The situation surrounding Salehi’s case continues to raise alarm globally, underscoring the ongoing tensions between artistic expression and state censorship in Iran.