International Protests Continue Against the Death Sentence for Tomaj Salehi: Opposition to the Regime's Corruption and Evil Will Never Die

The wave of international reactions to the death sentence for Tomaj Salehi, a rapper imprisoned in Dastgerd prison in Isfahan, continues. Brad Sherman, a Democratic Congressman from the U.S., noted the 'killing' of countless protesters at the hands of the 'Iranian regime' during the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests on social media platform 'X', stating: 'The regime has condemned Tomaj Salehi to death for protesting against death. The opposition to the regime's corruption and evil, as manifested in Tomaj, will never die.' Max Lax, a German politician, referred to Tomaj Salehi as Iran's most popular rapper, writing: 'His death sentence reflects the mullahs' disgust for the Iranian people. Execution means declaring war against the youth and progressive voices in the country.' Gianluca Costantini, an Italian artist and cartoonist, protested Tomaj Salehi's death sentence, stating: 'You cannot die for singing about freedom. The Islamic Republic has condemned Tomaj Salehi, a rapper, to death for singing protest songs and reflecting the voice of the Iranian people.' Leo Walter, a French politician, emphasized the global halt to death sentences on social media 'X', urging French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné to demand the immediate release of 'Tomaj Salehi, the committed Iranian rapper sentenced to death, and all political prisoners in Iran.' Meanwhile, the French Foreign Ministry condemned the death sentence for Tomaj Salehi, calling it 'unacceptable.' Louise Amberg, the German Commissioner for Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid, described the news of the death sentence for Tomaj Salehi as 'shocking reports from Iran,' stating: 'The regime is prosecuting an artist for his music and reports from prison.' He called for the immediate cancellation of Tomaj Salehi's death sentence. The U.S. State Department condemned the death sentence for Tomaj Salehi. ABC News noted that Tomaj Salehi has been arrested multiple times by the Islamic Republic's security forces and has repeatedly criticized the regime's 'corruption' and 'repression' in his works. 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 outlet added that Iranian rap music became a tool for criticizing the regime during the protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in custody, which led the Islamic Republic to arrest and imprison several protesting rappers. Reuters reported that he supported the recent nationwide protests in Iran and was subsequently arrested by security forces, facing various charges. CBS reported that Tomaj Salehi has been imprisoned for over a year due to his support for the recent nationwide protests in Iran, during which hundreds of protesters were killed, injured, or arrested. His lawyer noted that the death sentence for Tomaj Salehi is in 'conflict' with legal standards and 'contradicts' the ruling of the Supreme Court. CBC also reported on the torture and mistreatment he faced in prison, stating that this protesting rapper spent one year and 21 days in detention, 252 days of which were in solitary confinement. The report mentioned that Tomaj Salehi was re-arrested after being temporarily released on bail last fall due to the release of a controversial video. In this video, which was published online, he referred to the physical and psychological torture he endured in prison, explicitly stating that he was severely tortured, with his hands, feet, and fingers broken and numerous blows to his head and face. AFP reminded readers that his arrest was due to his support for the recent nationwide protests in Iran, with initial charges against this protesting rapper 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 popular protests and criticizing mandatory hijab laws for women. According to AFP, the Islamic Republic refers to the recent nationwide protests following Mahsa Amini's death as a rebellion incited by the regime's foreign enemies. It 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. The U.S. condemned the ruling against Tomaj Salehi as a horrific and widespread violation of human rights. The judiciary claimed that Tomaj is 'remorseful' and 'deserving of leniency,' while his lawyer stated that the death sentence is likely to change. Reactions to the death sentence for Tomaj Salehi include anger, protests, and solidarity to save the protesting rapper. One reaction described the death sentence as 'absurd and inhumane.' Tomaj Salehi's uncle confirmed to VOA that a death sentence has been issued for Tomaj.