A U.S. State Department Spokesperson: Release Tomaj Salehi and All Political Prisoners

A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, in response to a question from a VOA reporter regarding the concerning conditions of Tomaj Salehi, stated: "We continue to monitor his situation and have learned that his second court session was held behind closed doors without media presence, and his verdict will be announced within a week." This official emphasized that the regime's "harsh treatment" of Tomaj Salehi is deeply concerning and that the Islamic Republic must put an end to it. The senior State Department official described the handling of Salehi's case as just one example among many ongoing repressions by the regime against dissenters, which also includes numerous artists and writers. As international pressure on the Iranian authorities for the release of Tomaj Salehi and all political prisoners increases, it is crucial for all Iranian officials to understand that their actions are being closely monitored by the global community. The State Department official reiterated: "The United States, in cooperation with its allies and partners, will continue to work to hold Iranian officials accountable for their 'gross human rights violations.'" He concluded by urging Iranian officials to release Tomaj Salehi and all political prisoners. Previously, VOA reported that Tomaj Salehi, who was arrested during last November's nationwide protests and deprived of access to his chosen lawyer for two months, faces charges including 'corruption on earth,' 'propaganda against the regime,' and 'inciting violence and chaos.'