International Media Reaction to the Death Sentence of Tomaj Salehi

The news of the death sentence for Tomaj Salehi, a imprisoned protest rapper in Iran, received widespread coverage in international media, with various reports published on the matter. ABC News noted that Salehi has been arrested multiple times by the security forces of the Islamic Republic and has repeatedly criticized the regime's 'corruption' and 'repression' in his works. According to ABC, in one of his famous songs titled 'Mouse Hole', he warns those collaborating with the Islamic Republic to find a place to hide, as they will soon be punished for their wrongdoings. The news network pointed out that Iranian rap music became a tool for criticizing the regime during the protests following the death of Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the morality police, which led to the arrest and imprisonment of several protest rappers. Reuters also reported that he supported the recent nationwide protests in Iran in his works and was subsequently arrested by security forces, facing various charges. The news agency highlighted the reaction from the U.S. Special Representative for Iran, who stated on social media that 'the regime's brutal abuse of its citizens shows its disregard for human rights and fear of the democratic change that the people of Iran are seeking.' CBS reported that Salehi has been imprisoned for a year due to his support for the recent nationwide protests in Iran, during which hundreds of protesters were killed, injured, or arrested. The network cited Salehi's lawyer, who mentioned that the death sentence is 'in conflict' with legal standards and 'contradicts' a ruling by the Supreme Court. CBC also covered the death sentence, discussing the harassment, mistreatment, and torture he faced in prison, noting that Salehi spent one year and 21 days in detention, 252 days of which were in solitary confinement. The network mentioned that after being temporarily released on bail last fall, he was arrested again for releasing a controversial video in which he detailed the physical and psychological torture he endured in prison, stating he was severely tortured, with broken hands, feet, and fingers, and suffered numerous blows to his head and face. AFP reminded that his arrest was due to his support for the recent nationwide protests, with initial charges including 'spreading falsehoods online, propaganda against the regime, inciting violence, and forming and managing illegal groups aimed at disrupting security in collaboration with a hostile government.' The agency also mentioned Iranian singer Mehdi Yarahee, who was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison for supporting public protests and criticizing mandatory hijab laws for women. According to AFP, the Islamic Republic refers to the recent protests over Mahsa Amini's death as a rebellion fueled by foreign enemies of the regime. The agency noted that so far, nine individuals related to these protests have been executed on charges such as murder or violence against security forces by the Islamic Republic. Claims from the judiciary state that Salehi is 'remorseful' and 'deserving of leniency'; however, his lawyer suggests that the death sentence may change. The U.S. condemned the ruling against Salehi, calling it a horrific and widespread violation of human rights. Reactions to the death sentence include anger, protests, and solidarity efforts to save the protest rapper, with one reaction describing the ruling as 'absurd and inhumane.' Salehi's uncle confirmed to VOA that a death sentence has been issued for him.