Iran’s judiciary has sentenced Toomaj Salehi, a prominent Iranian rapper, to death for his support of the nationwide protest sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini. Salehi, 33, was arrested in October 2022 after publicly backing the protest.
Salehi’s lawyer, Amir Raisian, confirmed the death sentence, stating that Salehi was convicted in connection to Iran’s 2022-2023 unrest. However, Raisian emphasized that Salehi still has the opportunity to appeal the sentence and potentially have it reduced.
The charges against Salehi include “corruption on earth,” according to the media wing of the Iranian judiciary. The court specified that his sentence could only be reduced if he shows remorse and cooperates with authorities.
Salehi has 20 days to appeal his sentence to the Supreme Court. If the sentence stands, the judiciary’s amnesty commission will review his case and may commute the sentence.
It’s worth noting that the Iranian Supreme Court previously rejected Salehi’s charges of “corruption on earth” in July of the previous year, but the ruling was not enforced.
The hashtag “#FreeToomaj” trended on social media following the announcement of Salehi’s death sentence, with many demanding his immediate release.
Salehi’s sentencing occurred shortly after the imprisonment of Mahsa Amini’s uncle for over five years. Amini’s uncle was accused of making anti-government remarks during protests following his niece’s death.
Salehi actively participated in the protests, composing raps about them and sharing images and videos online. Western media dubbed him the “world’s bravest rapper.”
In 2023, Salehi was sentenced to six years and three months in prison but avoided the death penalty due to a Supreme Court ruling. However, his case was later reopened after he discussed the torture he endured in prison in a video.