A Surge of Support for Tomaj Salehi and Condemnation of the Islamic Republic; Mahsa Amini's Mother: Let Tomaj Breathe

Two days after the news of the death sentence issued for Tomaj Salehi, a wave of support for this Iranian protest rapper continues both inside and outside the country from Iranians and non-Iranians alike. On Thursday, May 6, in the latest reactions, Mojgan Ekhtiyari, the mother of Mahsa Amini, wrote in an Instagram story: "Do not let Tomaj's mother's heart become like mine, let Tomaj breathe so that his mother does not lose her breath." She also remembered her deceased daughter, Jina, calling her "my shining Mahsa" and wrote: "I am still warm with Jina's breaths; let Tomaj's mother also be alive with his breaths, let Tomaj breathe so that his mother and all mothers of my land do not lose their breath. Do not let Tomaj become the target of his mother's suppressed sobs." Abolfazl Ghadiani, an opponent of the Islamic Republic, also referred to the death sentence for Tomaj Salehi, stating that this crisis-inducing action is, on one hand, a result of desperation and fear, and on the other hand, a blind hatred and revenge by Ali Khamenei. These staunch opponents of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic once again called Ali Khamenei "the bloodthirsty power-hungry tyrant of Iran" and added: although the security and judicial systems are responsible in this matter, the main culprit is Ali Khamenei, who must be held accountable for all these oppressions and inhumane acts aimed at prolonging his corrupt regime. Bahman Ghobadi, a well-known Iranian filmmaker, also posted on Instagram, calling for information about the status of Tomaj Salehi and other imprisoned protesters, stating that the Islamic Republic is on the brink of collapse and urging the people of Iran to unite to overthrow this government and rise again. In foreign countries, freedom-seeking Iranians returned to the streets in cities such as Frankfurt and Hamburg in Germany, The Hague in the Netherlands, Montreal in Canada, Paris, London, and Brussels, condemning the inhumane actions of the Islamic Republic and calling for the abolition of the death sentences for political prisoners, including Tomaj Salehi, and for global support for the fighting people of Iran. Yvonne Re, a member of the German Parliament and political sponsor of Tomaj Salehi, expressed anger over the sentence issued for this political activist opposed to the Islamic Republic, stating: "Tomaj has not asked for anything but the freedom of Iranians, the regime is afraid of the influence of people like Tomaj even if they are in prison; I will not remain silent in the face of this oppression, just as others will not remain silent." The European Council, in response to a request from VOA for a comment on the death sentence for Tomaj Salehi, strongly opposed the use of the death penalty under any circumstances and called for a halt to the issuance and execution of such sentences in Iran. This European body described the death penalty at any time and under any circumstances as "an unacceptable denial of human dignity and integrity" and urged the authorities of the Islamic Republic to adopt a policy of abolishing the death penalty. In the United States, Republican legislator Joe Wilson condemned the death sentence for Tomaj Salehi, calling for "holding the Islamic Republic accountable for the murder of innocent Iranians" in a post on social media platform X. A member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee noted that the Mahsa bill has now become law, stating: "The terrorist regime of Iran continues to slaughter those who became the voice of Mahsa Amini. It is time to hold the Islamic Republic accountable for the systematic murders of innocent Iranians." Tomaj Salehi, an Iranian rapper opposed to the Islamic Republic, was arrested by government forces in early November 2022 in connection with nationwide protests and was sent to prison. He was released on bail a year later but was arrested again a few days later and sent to prison in Isfahan. On April 30, 2023, he was tried in the first branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Court in Isfahan on charges of "conspiracy and collusion, and aiding in rebellion," and his death sentence was communicated to his lawyers on May 5. The reactions of Iranian artists to the death sentence for the protest rapper: Free Tomaj Salehi. Amir Salar Davoodi: The death sentence for Tomaj Salehi is "judicial audacity"; Narges Mohammadi: He is the "soundtrack" of the movement. The continuation of international protests against the issuance of the death sentence for Tomaj Salehi: Protests against the regime's corruption and evil will never die. The international media's coverage of the issuance of the death sentence for Tomaj Salehi. UN experts' protests against the death sentence for Tomaj Salehi: He must be released immediately. France strongly condemned the issuance of the death sentence for Tomaj Salehi. The judiciary's claim: Tomaj is "regretful" and "deserving of leniency"; the lawyer of the case: the death sentence will likely change. Widespread protests against the "death sentence" for Tomaj Salehi; Gohar Eshghi: Khamenei's regime has hit the last straw. The United States: We condemn the ruling against Tomaj Salehi; it is a horrific and widespread violation of human rights. Reactions to the issuance of the death sentence for Tomaj Salehi: Anger, protest, and solidarity to save the protest rapper. Tomaj Salehi's uncle to VOA: A death sentence has been issued for Tomaj. Tomaj Salehi emphasized the "illegality" of the court: the trial is "at the request of intelligence agencies."