“Basic human rights do not exist in Iran. We are tired. We are the new generation, we understand human rights, and the freedom we deserve, and we are fighting to claim them,” declared a spokeswoman for the Persian protest against the Islamic Republic during her interview with RAIR Foundation at this past weekend’s demonstration in Ottawa, Canada.
In a chilling verdict that has sent shockwaves across the globe, Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi has been sentenced to death by the Islamic government, confirmed by his lawyer Amir Raesian. The decision comes as a response to Salehi’s active participation in the 2022 nationwide protests, ignited by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini while in custody of Iran’s morality police. Salehi, a vocal critic of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s government, faces the grave charge of “corruption on earth”—a term often used by Iranian courts to describe severe offenses against the Islamic state.
The 32-year-old artist’s legal struggles saw a significant turn when a court in Isfahan upheld the original death sentence, overturning a prior decision by the Supreme Court to review his case. According to reports from Iranian pro-reform media, this ruling could still be contested if Salehi seeks intervention from a pardoning committee.
Toomaj Salehi has been a prominent figure in using his music to address societal issues and government policies in Iran. His protest songs, such as ‘Mouse Hole,’ ‘Turkmenchay,’ and ‘Pomegranate,’ have resonated with many, particularly the youth of Iran. Many of his song’s lyrics call out the Islamic Republic’s Western apologists.
Toomaj Salehi was arrested in 2022, soon after he released a music video that echoed the sentiments of the nationwide protests sparked by Mahsa Amini’s death. Amini, a 22-year-old woman, tragically died in police custody during a family visit to Tehran after being arrested for not wearing her hijab properly.
Salehi’s lyrics in the video highlighted the spirit of defiance that swept across Iran, stating, “Someone’s crime was dancing with her hair in the wind / Someone’s crime was that he or she was brave and criticized… 44 years of your government / It’s the year of failure.” This song not only resonated deeply with many but also captured the widespread dissatisfaction with the Iranian regime.
This sentencing has not only heightened concerns about the suppression of free speech and artistic expression in Iran but also triggered a robust international response. The United States Office of the Special Envoy for Iran has condemned the verdict, calling for the immediate release of Salehi and Saman Yasin, another Kurdish-Iranian rapper sentenced to five years in prison amid the same protests. UN experts have echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the punitive measures against Salehi for his artistic expression.
We strongly condemn Toomaj Salehi’s death sentence and the five-year sentence for Kurdish-Iranian rapper Saman Yasin. We call for their immediate release. These are the latest examples of the regime’s brutal abuse of its own citizens, disregard for human rights, and fear of the…
— Office of the Special Envoy for Iran (@USEnvoyIran) April 24, 2024
Meanwhile, the Recording Academy has expressed deep concern over the case, stating, “No artist should have to fear for their life or livelihood when expressing themselves through their art.”
The Recording Academy @RecordingAcad calls for the release of Iranian rapper #ToomajSalehi — who the regime in Iran has sentenced to death; charging him with “corrupting the earth.”
— Samira Mohyeddin سمیرا (@SMohyeddin) April 27, 2024
The 33 year old rapper has endured torture & was abducted off the streets. #توماج_صالحی pic.twitter.com/1vOCnnkMaL
Salehi’s plight is a harsh reminder of Iran’s ongoing struggle for freedom of expression and human rights. As he remains in solitary confinement, reportedly subjected to daily torture, the international community continues to rally, advocating for justice and the repeal of his death sentence.
On Location in Canada for a demonstration in support of Toomaj Salehi
This weekend, RAIR Foundation USA was on the ground in Ottawa, Canada, covering demonstrations in support of Toomaj Salehi and in protest against the Islamic Republic of Iran. These demonstrations are part of a series of protests conducted by Iranian immigrants across various Western countries.
RAIR interviewed Layla, one of the spokeswoman for the protests supporting Toomaj Salehi, and discussed the reasons behind their gatherings. She explained that the demonstrations aimed to show solidarity with Salehi and protest against the broader treatment of individuals, particularly women, in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Layla also called on Western governments to take decisive actions against the Iranian regime, emphasizing the urgent need for international intervention to support Iranians oppressed by their government.
Another spokeswoman for the Persian protest against the Islamic Republic was Medina, who conveyed the dire situation in Iran. She emphasized the lack of safety and freedom, detailing how individuals, particularly women, are at constant risk simply for not covering their hair, and men like Toomaj are persecuted for voicing dissent.
Medina passionately called on the international community, especially Canadians and Americans, to raise awareness and condemn the ongoing executions and human rights abuses in Iran. She stressed that the overwhelming majority of Iranians desire the end of the current regime, yearning for the basic human rights and freedoms that they are currently denied. Medina’s message was a powerful plea for global support to help Iranians achieve the change they desperately need.
The following poster of Mansour Dahmardeh was spotted at Sunday’s protest. Dahmardeh is a 22-year-old Baluch citizen with physical disabilities who has been subjected to a grave miscarriage of justice in Iran. Arrested on October 3, 2022, while working as a driver’s helper on a bus line, Dahmardeh was taken into custody by forces associated with the Revolutionary Guards at a checkpoint in Zahedan. His arrest followed his participation in the Bloody Friday protest on September 30, a response to systemic repression in the Sistan and Baluchestan province.
In custody, Dahmardeh endured severe torture, including electric shocks and beatings that resulted in serious injuries, such as a damaged leg and smashed teeth. Despite these brutal conditions, he was hastily sentenced to death by the Shahid Nouri Criminal Court for “Moharebeh” (War on God) and “Corruption on Earth” — charges based merely on his alleged actions of throwing three stones and setting a tire on fire during the protest. The court disregarded standard legal procedures, denying him the right to an attorney and any form of fair trial, reflecting a stark violation of both Iranian and international legal standards. Mansour’s sentencing has ignited international outcry, underscoring the urgent need for justice and reform.
As voices from the international community rise in protest, the relentless persecution of dissidents like Toomaj Salehi by the Islamic Republic of Iran illustrates a regime that not only stifles dissent within its borders but also projects its reign of terror worldwide. These courageous voices are silenced through harsh punishments for demanding basic human rights. The world must stand in solidarity with Iranian dissidents who bravely confront Islamic tyranny, advocating for justice and amplifying their call for freedom.
News Link: https://rairfoundation.com/global-outrage-irans-death-sentence-famous-rapper-toomaj/