A Music Critic: The Voice of Tomaj Salehi's 'Resistant and Conscious Music' Has Gone Beyond Iran's Borders

Tomaj Salehi, the imprisoned Iranian rapper, received the 'Heretic' or 'Innovator' award from the Global Music Awards. He was recently sentenced to six years and three months in prison after months of detention, receiving this award for his song 'Fal' in the protest music - activism category. The organization stated on its website: 'Tomaj Salehi's courage and determination inspire us all. Awarding this incredible individual is an honor, and we hope he is freed from this unjust imprisonment.' Nasir Mashkouri, a writer and music critic, told Voice of America about this award: 'Global music awards are a recognized international music competition that has been established since 2011, generally supporting and honoring independent artists and activists who are active in the field of justice and freedom of expression.' Mr. Mashkouri added: 'The fact that Tomaj Salehi was introduced as a winner of one of their awards not only brings pride to his fans but also shows that the voice of this young rapper's resistant and conscious music has crossed Iran's borders and reached the entire world.' This writer and music critic stated: 'I don't think Tomaj Salehi ever imagined that one day his name would cross Iran's borders and that he and his works would be appreciated on a global level; this is a great honor for this protest rapper.' Nasir Mashkouri further noted that it should be acknowledged that the support of the people, international civil organizations, and even the media for Tomaj Salehi has at least currently spared him from the death penalty and led to his imprisonment instead. Mr. Mashkouri emphasized that the support and backing of artistic and human rights organizations certainly puts pressure on the judicial system of the Islamic Republic and reduces the risk of inhumane sentences such as execution for political prisoners. This writer and music critic stated that we must support Tomaj Salehi and all other imprisoned artists in any way possible and urged everyone to be the voice of these young Iranians and not let the government silence their cries. The awarding of the Global Music Awards to Tomaj Salehi has received widespread attention on social media and has been met with numerous reactions from Iranian users on social networks. 'Fal' is the last song that this protest music rapper released before being arrested by the Iranian security forces in October 2022. In recent months, many efforts have been made to support Tomaj Salehi, and many cultural and artistic figures, politicians, and human rights organizations have called for the release of this Iranian rapper. The Global Music Awards were awarded to Tomaj Salehi. Exclusive; Tomaj Salehi's political guardian: He is innocent and has been convicted of unprovable charges. Acquitted of two charges and sentenced to six years and three months in prison for Tomaj Salehi. Tomaj Salehi's uncle told Voice of America: We demand the freedom of all political prisoners and the abolition of the death penalty. The U.S. responded to the sentencing of Tomaj Salehi: We will hold the officials of the Islamic Republic accountable. Reactions to the sentencing of Tomaj Salehi: He has committed no crime and should be freed.