American PEN Association Criticizes 'Widespread Repression' in Iran: Tomaj Salehi Must Be Released Immediately

The American PEN Association, on Friday, January 5, issued a statement protesting the renewed detention of Tomaj Salehi and the issuance of a 'heavy sentence' against this protesting rapper, describing it as part of a broader and concerning repression of the fundamental right to freedom of expression by the Islamic Republic. In its statement, the association strongly opposed the new sentence against this young rapper for 'propaganda against the regime.' Tomaj Salehi was recently sentenced to one year in prison by the Islamic Republic, and his passport was revoked by officials for two years. The rapper is also required to participate in behavioral management programs. The American PEN Association called on the officials of the Islamic Republic to immediately release Tomaj Salehi, drop all charges against him, and stop their ongoing assault on freedom of expression. The new charge against Tomaj Salehi came after his conviction last summer to six years and three months in prison in relation to the 'corruption on earth' case. This rapper was initially arrested in the fall of 2022 for publishing protest rap works in support of nationwide protests in Iran and the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement following the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police. The statement from the American PEN Association, prepared by the Artists at Risk Connection (ARC), states that Tomaj Salehi was released after spending 252 days in detention by order of the Supreme Court of the Islamic Republic due to 'defects in the initial ruling,' but was re-arrested 12 days later due to public statements regarding the 'brutal treatment' he received in prison. The American PEN Association stated: 'We strongly condemn the conviction of Tomaj Salehi and demand his immediate release and the lifting of all charges against him. The officials of the Islamic Republic have repeatedly shown their severe fear of artists, musicians, writers, journalists, filmmakers, and others who dare to share opinions contrary to the regime's policies; this cowardice must stop.' It further adds: 'Iran needs its artistic freedom and artistic community to inspire citizens to create a better and fairer future for all. The renewed detention of Tomaj Salehi and his severe conviction is part of a calculated effort to suppress dissenting voices, reflecting a broader and concerning repression of the fundamental right to freedom of expression.' The American PEN Association states: 'Earlier last year, the Islamic Republic explicitly declared its position on cultural activists who act against national interests, stating that such cultural figures would no longer be allowed to work, which also includes female actors who removed their hijabs. This approach has led to the arrest and harassment of several artists, musicians, and filmmakers, including Iranian filmmaker Saeed Roustayi, and Iranian actresses Leila Bolukat and Afsaneh Bayegan.' Last month, the American PEN Association, along with thirty prominent cinematic organizations, global film festivals, and international filmmakers, published an open letter calling on the officials of the Islamic Republic to immediately drop all charges against Iranian directors Maryam Maqdami and Behtash Sanaei. According to statistics from the American PEN Association, Iran is considered the second largest prison for writers in the world in 2023. The Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) is a project of the American PEN Association created to assist artists at risk and strengthen the networks and organizations that support them.