Introduction of the 'Tomaaj Law' Bill to the U.S. Congress to Sanction Human Rights Violators in Iran

A number of representatives from both the Democratic and Republican parties in the U.S. Congress introduced a bill named the 'Tomaaj Law' on Friday, June 1, aimed at sanctioning judicial officials in Iran involved in human rights violations. This bill imposes sanctions on judges, prosecutors, and investigators of Iran's Revolutionary Courts who have played a role in the ongoing repression of dissent. If passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate, the 'Tomaaj Law' would consider any ruling issued by Iranian courts against political prisoners as a violation of human rights. Republican Representative Young Kim from California, one of the bill's sponsors, told the Associated Press: 'Tomaaj Salehi has been the voice of the voiceless using his position and has bravely spoken out against torture, mistreatment, and the suppression of the people's demands by the Iranian government.' Ms. Young Kim emphasized that this bill allows the U.S. to 'stand alongside Tomaaj and other peaceful protesters demanding their fundamental rights and take targeted actions against the Iranian government.' Adam Schiff, a Democratic Representative from the U.S., also commented: 'The courage and steadfastness of Tomaaj Salehi regarding human rights in Iran is an inspiration to all of us, and I am proud to assist my colleagues in guiding this bipartisan bill aimed at holding the Iranian government accountable.' Amir Reisiyaan, one of Tomaaj Salehi's two lawyers, announced on April 24 that this protesting singer had been sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan for charges from 2022. He stated, 'Our point is that despite [Tomaaj Salehi] being among those eligible for the 2022 amnesty, he was not only not pardoned but a death sentence was issued against him.' The news of the death sentence for this protesting singer by the Revolutionary Court has sparked a widespread global outcry against this ruling, which continues. Tomaaj Salehi was actively involved in the widespread protests of 2022 that began with the death of Mahsa Zhina Amini while in custody of the morality police, supporting all protesters, detainees, and political activists.