An Iranian court has sentenced the outspoken rapper Toomaj Salehi to death, citing charges of “corruption on Earth” after his arrest for songs criticizing the government. This announcement was made by Salehi’s lawyer, Amir Raesian, in an interview with the Iranian news outlet Shargh Daily.
According to Raesian, the Islamic Republic Revolution Court of Isfahan issued the sentence despite a Supreme Court ruling that Salehi’s case qualified for amnesty, highlighting a significant legal inconsistency. “There are obvious legal conflicts in the revolutionary court’s decision. We will definitely appeal this sentence,” Raesian stated.
Salehi, known for his bold lyrics that denounce the regime’s corruption and suppression, has faced multiple arrests by Iranian authorities in recent years. He remains a prominent figure among artists who have used their platform to challenge governmental abuses. In his popular song “The Mouse Hole,” Salehi targets regime collaborators, urging them to find refuge as their actions will soon be held accountable.
Despite previous arrests, including one in 2021 after releasing songs that denounced the government, Salehi continued to voice his dissent through music. He supported the 2022 protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died in police custody under contentious circumstances related to Iran’s hijab laws.
The response to Salehi’s harsh sentencing has sparked a wave of solidarity from the Iranian music community and beyond. Prominent figures like pop singer Mehdi Yarrahi, who has also faced arrest for his protest-supporting songs, called the sentence a “black comedy” and demanded Salehi’s unconditional release. Yarrahi warned, “Release my brother unconditionally, or the smoke of this fire will burn your eyes,” reflecting the intense outcry and demand for justice among supporters.
