Renowned Iranian Rapper Toomaj Salehi Sentenced to Death: Controversy Surrounds Verdict

Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi has been sentenced to death in a highly controversial trial, according to reports from the Iranian newspaper Shargh. Salehi, known for his outspoken criticism of the Islamic Republic’s system, was convicted by a revolutionary court in Isfahan on charges of “corruption on earth,” a charge often criticized for its arbitrary application in Islamic law.

Salehi’s defense attorney, Amir Raisian, stated his intention to appeal the verdict. The rapper gained prominence as a symbol of protest during the mass demonstrations of autumn 2022.

Salehi hinted at the verdict on his social media channels, managed by his relatives, without divulging specifics. He had been unexpectedly released on bail in November, only to be re-arrested shortly after posting a video on YouTube alleging torture by the judiciary during his detention in Isfahan.

Initially sentenced to six years in prison stemming from his arrest during the 2022 protests, Salehi had been rumored to be eligible for a pardon. Throughout his career, he used his platform to critique social and political issues within Iran, aligning himself with demonstrators protesting against the government’s repressive policies and the Islamic system of governance.

The European Union imposed sanctions in June 2023 on those involved in Salehi’s case, including the attorney general of Isfahan province, who had brought charges against the musician. Salehi’s imprisonment was marked by reports of harsh conditions.

Human rights activists have long condemned the use of the death penalty in Iran, with executions reaching a reported 853 in the previous year, the highest since 2015. International outrage was particularly pronounced following executions related to the autumn 2022 protests, with at least nine cases documented.