Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi has been sentenced to death by an Iranian court for songs that criticized the government, according to his lawyer. Salehi, who has been arrested multiple times for his music that denounced the regime’s corruption and suppression of dissent, received the harshest punishment of death for “corruption on Earth.” The lawyer stated that the verdict contradicted a Supreme Court ruling that suggested Salehi’s case qualified for amnesty, highlighting “legal conflicts” in the decision. Salehi’s arrest and death sentence have sparked outrage and calls for his release from within Iran and the international community.
Salehi’s music, which often called out the regime’s corruption and the role of its collaborators, made him a prominent target for the Iranian authorities. In his popular song “The Mouse Hole,” Salehi warns those who collaborate with the Islamic Republic that they will face consequences for their actions. Despite being arrested and released in 2021, Salehi continued to release music videos expressing his opposition to the regime. His support for protests in Iran, sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody, further raised his profile as a critic of the government.
The Iranian regime has targeted several rap artists for their criticism, using arrests and harsh punishments to silence dissent. Salehi’s death sentence has drawn widespread support from the Iranian music community, with prominent figures like Mehdi Yarrahi denouncing the verdict as a “black comedy.” Yarrahi himself was arrested last year for his songs supporting the Mahsa Amini protests, indicating the regime’s crackdown on any form of dissent. Calls for Salehi’s unconditional release have intensified, with many Iranians demanding justice for the outspoken rapper.
The use of music as a vehicle for criticism of the regime has become a common trend in Iran, with rap artists like Salehi being at the forefront of challenging the government’s policies. Despite facing repression, Salehi and other artists have continued to produce music that speaks out against injustice and oppression. The international community has condemned Salehi’s death sentence, urging Iran to uphold human rights and freedom of expression. The case has highlighted the ongoing struggle for artistic freedom and the right to criticize government actions in Iran.
The Iranian Revolution Court of Isfahan’s decision to sentence Salehi to death underscores the regime’s intolerance of dissent and its efforts to silence critics through harsh punishments. Salehi’s case has brought attention to the plight of artists and activists who face persecution for expressing their views. The calls for Salehi’s release reflect the growing resistance to government oppression in Iran and the global solidarity with those who speak out against injustice. The international community must continue to pressure Iran to respect human rights and ensure that individuals like Salehi are not silenced for their art and activism.
