Iranian Rapper Toomaj Salehi Released After Overturned Death Sentence

Toomaj Salehi, an Iranian rapper who faced a death sentence for voicing support for anti-government protests, has been freed after two years in prison, reflecting the ongoing tensions in the region.

Toomaj Salehi, a prominent Iranian rapper, has regained his freedom after serving one year in prison for allegations of propaganda against the state. His incarceration followed his vocal support for the anti-government protests that erupted across Iran following the tragic death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in September 2022.

Salehi was initially sentenced to death in April 2024, charged with "corruption on earth," but this ruling was later overturned in June. Following the Supreme Court's intervention, he was given a reduced sentence of six years and three months in July 2023, although he had already spent significant time behind bars.

Prior to his arrest, the 34-year-old rapper was well-known for his bold criticisms of Iranian authorities through his music, a stance that led to a ban on his live performances. His situation escalated when he was briefly released on bail but was rearrested just days later after sharing alarming claims of torture allegedly inflicted by intelligence agents during his detention.

Recognized as a symbol of resistance, Salehi's arrest occurred during a broader wave of protests ignited by the death of Amini, which saw hundreds killed and thousands arrested in a nationwide outcry for justice and reform in the country. Campaign organizations, such as Index on Censorship, celebrated his release as a long-overdue victory, asserting that he should never have been imprisoned in the first place.

As Iran continues to grapple with social unrest and governmental pressure, Salehi's case remains emblematic of the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression in the country.