Index on Censorship Calls for Immediate UN Action to Halt the Death Sentence of Tomaj Salehi

The reputable British organization 'Index on Censorship' on Thursday, May 2, made an urgent request on behalf of Tomaj Salehi's family to two UN special representatives for a review of the death sentence of this protesting singer. Tomaj Salehi 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 Isfahan prison. On April 18, 2023, he was tried in the first branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Court of Isfahan on charges of 'conspiracy and collusion, and aiding in rebellion', and his death sentence was communicated to his lawyers on May 25. 'Index on Censorship' states in its request that since the opportunity to appeal Tomaj Salehi's death sentence is only twenty days until May 25, there are fears that, given the increase in the number of executions in Iran, the authorities of the Islamic Republic will quickly act to carry out this sentence. This NGO defending freedom of expression states that the latest report from Amnesty International shows that Iranian authorities executed at least 853 people last year, the highest number in the past eight years, turning Iranian prisons into places of mass slaughter. The British legal team acting on behalf of Tomaj Salehi's family and 'Index on Censorship' has referred to extrajudicial executions, torture, and degrading treatment of prisoners in their urgent request to UN special rapporteurs. The request states: 'The Iranian government violates its international legal obligations and does not respect Mr. Salehi's rights in areas including the right to life, freedom from torture, fair trial, and freedom of expression.' 'Index on Censorship', which awarded its freedom of expression prize in the arts to Salehi at the same time as the death sentence was issued, wrote: 'Tomaj Salehi, a rapper known for his artistic support of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement, has been sentenced to death in Iran. Being sentenced to death for singing about human rights is the most horrific insult to justice.' In its statement, the organization quoted Arzoo Iqbali, Tomaj's cousin, who welcomed the urgent request to the UN: 'The international community must express solidarity with Tomaj Salehi and all those who bravely speak out against injustice and oppression in Iran. Failing to do so not only endangers Tomaj's life and safety but will also embolden the Iranian regime to continue its brutal treatment of political prisoners, which is primarily aimed at intimidating the public and suppressing dissent.' Kaulfiun Gallagher, the international advisor to Tomaj Salehi's family and 'Index on Censorship', said: 'Tomaj Salehi is a brilliant, courageous, and talented artist who uses his music and art to stand against the brutal Iranian regime and support the people of Iran, fighting for human rights, democracy, and freedom.' Nick Williams, the policy director at 'Index on Censorship', stated: 'Tomaj Salehi's death sentence is a horrific abuse of power by a regime that criminalizes art and freedom of expression.' He referred to the widespread crackdown following protests against the killing of Mahsa Amini, saying: 'Tomaj's case symbolizes the courage of all those who expressed their dissent. That is why 'Index on Censorship' is proud to be working alongside his family and the British legal team to secure his freedom. No one should be sentenced to death for their music or solidarity with the brave women who protested.' 'Index on Censorship' concluded by stating that with its urgent request, it calls on UN special rapporteurs to take extraordinary immediate action given the deteriorating situation and the imminent danger of Mr. Salehi's execution.