Iranian Rapper Toomaj Salehi Sentenced to Death
The black and white image of Rapper Toomaj Salehi adorns the streets of Tehran, silently protesting against his impending fate. Arrested multiple times and subjected to torture, this popular Iranian music artist received a death sentence on April 24. His alleged crime? Participating in the protests following the tragic death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022.
International Solidarity
Beyond the confines of Iran, voices of support echo for Salehi. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, along with Italy and France, has demanded his release. In France, a collective of artists and intellectuals penned an open letter to President Emmanuel Macron, urging action against Salehi’s sentence.
Isolation and Pressure
Despite the global outcry, Salehi remains isolated in Isfahan prison. Denied contact with the outside world, he faces severe psychological pressure. Even fellow inmates are prohibited from interacting with him, under threat of punishment.
The Voice of Dissent
Hailing from Shahin Shahr near Isfahan, Salehi is not just a musician but also a laborer at a metalworking factory. His dissent against the regime predates the 2022 protests. In his viral hit “Soorakh Moosh” (“rat hole”), he openly criticizes the establishment, earning him both popularity and trouble.
Facing Adversity
Salehi’s defiance led to his arrest in September 2021 on charges of insulting the Supreme Leader and propagating against the regime. Despite facing imprisonment, he continued to raise his voice, joining the nationwide protests in 2022.
Enduring Torture
In a harrowing video shared on social media, Salehi recounts the brutality he endured. Tortured and beaten, he speaks of broken limbs and injections meant to prolong his suffering. His tormentors aimed to break his spirit, yet Salehi’s resolve remains unyielding.
Amidst Repression
Salehi’s death sentence comes at a time of heightened repression in Iran, marked by a surge in executions. Amnesty International reports a 48% increase in executions in 2023, highlighting the grim reality faced by dissenters like Salehi.
Despite the darkness that surrounds him, Salehi’s voice continues to resonate, a symbol of resistance against oppression. As the world watches, the fate of this Iranian rapper serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice.