If the rapper sticks to his integrity, he will be jailed once again. Iran will have no citizen disobey their dictates.
Iran’s Supreme Court has reversed the death penalty for renowned rapper Toomaj Salehi, who was imprisoned for his support of widespread protests ignited by the death of Mahsa Amini, according to his attorney. The protests, which swept across the nation, were fueled by outrage over Amini’s death under suspicious circumstances while in police custody, an incident that highlighted ongoing concerns about civil rights and government oppression in Iran.
Unity Prevails: Death Sentence of Iranian Rapper Toomaj Salehi Overturned.
Thanks to everyone who echoed our voice and put pressure on the Islamic Republic in Iran. This showcases the power of unity and international pressure. However, let us not forget that this beloved rapper… pic.twitter.com/54LBtBIY7P— Masih Alinejad 🏳️ (@AlinejadMasih) June 22, 2024
Salehi’s legal representative, Amir Raisian, announced on the social media platform X that the Supreme Court has mandated a retrial for the rapper. Raisian expressed relief and gratitude for the court’s decision to vacate the initial death sentence, which had been met with international condemnation and had heightened scrutiny of Iran’s judicial practices and its handling of dissent.
The rapper had been a vocal and influential figure during the protests, using his music and public platform to criticize the government’s policies and advocate for human rights, leading to his arrest. His sentencing had previously been a point of severe criticism by human rights organizations and had galvanized further protests both within Iran and internationally.
BREAKING:
The Supreme Court of the Islamic Regime in Iran has overturned the famous dissident rapper Toomaj Salehi’s death sentence.
He was arrested in the wake of the murder of Mahsa Amini, which started mass-protests in the country pic.twitter.com/TnLEft4m7q
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) June 22, 2024
The decision to overturn the death sentence and order a retrial signifies a significant judicial reversal and introduces a new phase in a case that has drawn widespread attention to issues of free speech and political repression in Iran. The international community, along with human rights advocates, continues to monitor the situation closely, calling for a fair and transparent process in the forthcoming retrial.
Wonderful news!!! #FreeToomaj #ToomajSalehi from prison now, #IslamicRepublic of #Iran!!! Music is not a crime!!! Standing with #WomanLifeFreedom is not a crime!!! pic.twitter.com/ZFIdYcyUDC
— Paige K (@PaigeK_07) June 22, 2024
Major Points
- Iran’s Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence of rapper Toomaj Salehi, who supported protests sparked by Mahsa Amini’s death.
- Salehi’s lawyer, Amir Raisian, announced the decision for a retrial on social media platform X.
- The rapper was initially sentenced for his role in nationwide protests against government oppression and civil rights violations.
- International condemnation and pressure followed Salehi’s sentencing, highlighting concerns about Iran’s handling of dissent and free speech.
- The case continues to draw global attention, focusing on Iran’s judicial practices and the push for legal reforms and human rights.
Kirk Volo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
