Iran’s Supreme Court overturns rapper’s death sentence But new charges loom

Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi is reportedly facing two new charges that advocates claim are an attempt by Iranian authorities to keep him imprisoned.

The new accusations against Salehi are 'spreading falsehoods' and 'spreading propaganda against the regime,' according to Negin Niknaam, an Iranian activist and Salehi’s friend, Caliber.Az reports citing the Iranian media.

Niknaam expressed concern that the regime is using these charges to isolate Salehi, stating, "I think they couldn't execute him because he's now famous. They're afraid of him. So one thing that the regime always does with famous people or artists in Iran is they try to isolate them or keep them in prison. I'm really worried about him."

Salehi has been detained in solitary confinement at Isfahan's Dastgerd Prison, a high-security facility controlled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intelligence division, since October 31, 2022. His music, which addresses political and social issues, has criticized the Islamic Republic’s abuses. Salehi gained international recognition during the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom protests, where he not only voiced support through his music but also joined demonstrators in the streets.

In response to Salehi’s plight, over 100 music, culture, and human rights figures, including Coldplay and Sting, signed a statement demanding his release in May. Following international pressure, Salehi’s death sentence was overturned by Iran’s Supreme Court in June. However, less than two weeks after being released on bail, he was rearrested.

As the situation continues to develop, advocates and supporters are closely monitoring Salehi's case, fearing for his safety and hoping for his eventual release.

Toomaj Salehi is a prominent Iranian rapper known for his outspoken lyrics addressing political and social issues in Iran. His music, which criticizes the Iranian government's human rights abuses and corruption, has earned him a significant following both in Iran and internationally.

Salehi's activism through his music and public participation in the protests led to his arrest on October 31, 2022. He has been held in solitary confinement in Isfahan's Dastgerd Prison, a high-security facility managed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intelligence division. This detention is part of a broader crackdown on dissent in Iran, where the regime has targeted various activists, artists, and political dissidents.